One-Pot Caribbean Rice and Beans with Coconut

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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.

★ 4.1 (8 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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