Antiguan Seasoned Rice
A flavorful one-pot rice dish seasoned with a variety of herbs, vegetables, and often includes peas, beans, and a choice of meat or fish. It's a versatile and comforting staple in Antiguan cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Long-grain white rice
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 tsp Ginger(grated)
- 1/2 cup Red bell pepper(chopped)
- 1/2 cup Carrot(chopped)
- 1 cup Spinach(chopped)
- 1/2 cup Okra(chopped)
- 1/2 cup Pigeon peas(cooked)
- 1/4 cup Kidney beans(cooked)
- 1 tbsp Chicken bouillon powder
- 1 tsp Thyme(fresh, chopped)
- 1 tsp All-purpose seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 4 cups Water
- 1/2 lb Optional protein (chicken, pork, or fish)(diced)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using optional protein, sauté it in the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven until browned. Remove from pot and set aside.
💡 Tip: This step is optional but adds extra flavor if you choose to include meat or fish. - 2
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened, about 3-5 minutes.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the chopped red bell pepper, carrot, spinach, and okra. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- 5
Add the cooked pigeon peas and kidney beans to the pot.
- 6
Rinse the rice thoroughly until the water runs clear. Add the rinsed rice to the pot along with the chicken bouillon powder, fresh thyme, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper. If you cooked protein in step 1, add it back to the pot now.
- 7
Pour in the 4 cups of water. Stir everything to combine.
💡 Tip: Ensure all ingredients are submerged in the water. - 8
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
- 9
Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for another 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Rinsing the rice is crucial for a fluffy texture.
- ✓Adjust seasonings to your preference. Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or green beans.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use coconut milk instead of some of the water.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced chicken, pork, or fish for a heartier meal.
- Use different types of peas and beans based on availability.
- Incorporate other herbs and spices like pimento or a pinch of scotch bonnet for heat.