One-Pot Caribbean Rice and Beans with Coconut
A fragrant one-pot dish combining tender rice, creamy coconut milk, and hearty beans seasoned with island spices, perfect as a satisfying side or main. This caribbean-inspired caribbean (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs long grain white rice, drained and rinsed canned black beans, coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups long grain white rice
- 1 cup drained and rinsed canned black beans
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp ground allspice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Stir in 1.5 cups long grain white rice, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1/2 tsp ground allspice, cooking for 1 minute to toast the rice and spices.
- Step 3: Pour in 1 cup coconut milk and 1.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth, then add 1 cup drained and rinsed black beans, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Step 4: Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and gently fluff rice with a fork. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped scallions and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm as a hearty side or vegetarian main.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Caribbean Rice and Beans with Coconut take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Caribbean Rice and Beans with Coconut?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep long grain white rice from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Caribbean Rice and Beans with Coconut?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Caribbean Rice and Beans with Coconut for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is One-Pot Caribbean Rice and Beans with Coconut vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This is now a weekly staple! The coconut adds such a lovely depth. My kids even asked for seconds.
- ★★★★★
Amazingly easy and flavorful. I made it for a potluck and everyone loved it. Will definitely make again.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the coconut twist! The rice was fluffy and the beans were perfectly cooked. Only thing: it took a bit longer than the recipe said.