Vegan Jamaican Rice & Peas (Jamaican Red Beans & Rice)

Vegan Jamaican Rice & Peas, also known as Jamaican Red Beans & Rice, is a flavorful dish with an untraditional twist. Featuring sautéed veggies, protein-rich red kidney beans, and fiber-filled cauliflower rice, get coated in bold spices, as well as creamy coconut milk. It’s an easy to make healthy vegan Jamaican recipe that will be a weeknight favorite.

Cozy, creamy, & comforting. That’s what this Vegan Jamaican Rice & Peas recipe is all about. While I’m not Jamaican, let alone have been to Jamaica, I’ve seen the iconic dish around, so I had to try it out for myself.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Jamaican dish, let me fill you in a bit. Originating from the Akan tribe from Africa’s Ivory Coast and Ghana, this dish was usually served on Sunday’s. The reason is because back in the 18th century, slaves only got Sunday’s off and on that day they served their best foods, which was, you guessed it, rice and peas. Although it’s called rice and peas, it’s really made with red kidney beans (Jamaicans refer red kidney beans peas). However, all other varieties are called beans. Interesting right?! For more information check it out here!

While I can only imagine the authentic dish is amazing, I had to do a vegan + nutritious take on it. Unlike the traditional, this vegan version uses cauliflower rice instead of the typical rice and my spice combination is a tad different. While I am changing it up a bit, I can promise you that that flavor is on point. 

Not only is this vegan red beans & rice a healthier option, but it’s easy and quick to make, as well as perfect for leftovers. You’ll be Jamaican me crazy.

Why You’ll Love This Vegan Jamaican Rice & Peas Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This Vegan Jamaican Rice & Peas recipe only takes about 30 minutes to make & requires one pot.
• A Healthy & Vegan Twist On the Classic: This vegan version seriously is super flavorful, while created with good-for-you ingredients!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it a great recipe to meal prep for easy dinners throughout the week.

Ingredients

• Organic Yellow Onion: Truly a staple to any dish. You can use whatever you’ve got though!
• Organic Red Bell Pepper: For some extra nutrition and flavor.
• Organic Green Onions: Be sure to save some for topping too!
• Organic Cauliflower Rice: We’ll be using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Cauliflower rice isn’t technically rice, but it looks like rice. You can find organic pre-made cauliflower rice at your local health foods store. 
• Organic Red Kidney Beans: No peas, just beans! Red kidney beans give this dish a boost of fiber and plant protein. If you don’t have red kidney beans, sub for pinto beans. 
• Organic Full-Fat Unsweetened Coconut Milk: This is essential to make the Vegan Jamaican Rice & Peas (Jamaican Red Beans & Rice) creamy. I don’t recommend subbing for regular non-dairy milk and be sure that your coconut milk comes from a can, not the carton. My favorite brand is Native Forest.
• Organic Spices: Adobo seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, coconut sugar, sea salt, & black pepper, are used to infuse this vegan Jamaican recipe.

How To Make

1. Sauté. Heat oil in a large skillet, add the onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 5 minutes.
2. Coat. Add the beans and seasoning. Stir until well combined
3. Cook. Stir in the cauliflower rice and coconut milk. Bring the mixture to a boil and split the stalk of green onion lengthwise and crush it with your hands over the pot, then drop it in and stir. Reduce heat to low and cook covered for 20 minutes.
4. Serve. Divide between bowls. Garnish with additional green onions, if desired. Enjoy!

Tips for Making this Healthy Jamaican Recipe Perfectly

• Organic Cauliflower Rice: We’ll be using cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Cauliflower rice isn’t technically rice, but it looks like rice. You can find organic pre-made cauliflower rice at your local health foods store. 
• Organic Red Kidney Beans: If you don’t have red kidney beans, sub for pinto beans. 
• Organic Full-Fat Unsweetened Coconut Milk: Use organic full-fat unsweetened coconut milk from the can, not the carton. This will ensure that it is super creamy. My favorite brand is Native Forest.

Storing & Reheating

As mentioned above, this healthy Jamaican recipe is perfect for leftovers & meal prep! Just be sure to let the Vegan Jamaican Rice & Peas cool completely before transferring to an air-tight glass container. 

Fridge Storage. Transfer to an air-tight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

Reheating. To reheat, simply transfer the Jamaican rice and peas to a large pot on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little extra water or broth as needed until warm.

More Vegan Recipes You’ll Love

• Vegan Cauliflower Rice Stuffed Peppers
• Vegan Butternut Squash & Lentil Nourish Bowl
• Vegan Cauliflower Fried Rice
• Vegan Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew (Misir Wat)

Sharing Is Caring!

If you make this recipe, please leave a review & rating below! I love hearing from you and it helps others learn more about the recipe too. Lastly, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, & TikTok for even more deliciousness & wellness tips!

Xoxo.

Christin.

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