Island Coconut Pepper Rice Recipe
Island Coconut Pepper Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines creamy coconut milk-infused rice with colorful bell peppers, spicy chiles, and sweet pineapple tidbits. This tropical-inspired recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes, making it an excellent side dish or a standout vegetarian main course.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Liquid
- 2 cups white long grain rice
- 14 ounces plain coconut milk
- Reserved pineapple juice from canned pineapple tidbits (enough to top with water)
Spices and Flavorings
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 1½ cups mixed yellow and red bell peppers, chopped
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- 15 ounces canned pineapple tidbits, drained
- 4.5 ounces chopped green chiles
- ¼ cup diced jalapeños
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a pot, combine the white long grain rice, coconut milk, finely chopped garlic, sea salt, ground allspice, cayenne powder, and the reserved pineapple juice topped up with enough water to cover the rice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it cook gently for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- Sauté Vegetables: While the rice is cooking, melt the unsalted butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the chopped red and yellow bell peppers along with the finely chopped red onion. Sauté the vegetables for 2 to 3 minutes until they become slightly softened but still retain some crunch and vibrant color.
- Combine Ingredients: Once the rice is cooked and the vegetables are sautéed, transfer both to a large mixing bowl. Add the drained pineapple tidbits, chopped green chiles, and diced jalapeños to the mix. Gently fold all the ingredients together to combine evenly, then sprinkle the roughly chopped fresh cilantro over the top and mix delicately for a fresh finish. Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of cayenne powder and jalapeños to suit your preferred spice level.
- Using fresh pineapple instead of canned tidbits can enhance the tropical flavor even more.
- This dish pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood for a complete island-inspired meal.
- For a vegan version, replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine.
- Ensure to rinse the rice under cold water before cooking to remove excess starch, which will help create fluffier rice.
Keywords: coconut rice, pepper rice, Caribbean rice dish, pineapple rice, coconut milk rice, spicy rice, vegetarian rice
Find it online: https://www.sanacooks.com/island-coconut-pepper-rice-recipe/
