Jamaican-style kidney beans with coconut milk

Name: Jamaican-style kidney beans with coconut milk
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Jamaican, Caribbean
Ingredients: 3 cups kidney beans (770g); 2 tbsp olive oil (27g); 1 cup onion (160g); 1 cup onion (100g); 5 garlic cloves (16g); 1/4 tsp red pepper (spice) (0.08g); 1 cup coconut milk (240g); 1/4 tsp spice mix (1/2g); 1/2 tsp salt (3g); 1 tsp coriander leaves (1g)

Jamaican-style kidney beans with coconut milk is a creamy, hearty dish featuring tender kidney beans simmered with aromatic spices and coconut milk. It's a comforting and nutritious option, perfect as a main dish or side.

24 Nov 2025
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 5 min

Ingredients:

3 cups kidney beans
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup onion
1 cup onion
5 garlic cloves
1/4 tsp red pepper (spice)
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 tsp spice mix
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp coriander leaves

Jamaican-style kidney beans with coconut milk is a flavorful and nutritious dish that brings a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen. The combination of kidney beans and coconut milk creates a creamy, hearty base while the spices and aromatics provide a warm, comforting flavor profile. This recipe is perfect as a standalone dish or as a delicious side.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the beans: If using dried kidney beans, soak them overnight in water. The next day, drain and rinse the beans, then cook them in fresh water until tender. If using canned beans, simply drain and rinse well.

2. Heat the oil: In a large skillet or pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

3. Sauté the onions: Add the finely chopped onions (both 160g and 100g) to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent.

4. Add the garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic and the red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.

5. Add the beans: Stir in the cooked or canned kidney beans to the skillet, mixing them well with the sautéed onions and garlic.

6. Pour in the coconut milk: Add the 1 cup of coconut milk, stirring to combine. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.

7. Season the dish: Stir in the 1/4 teaspoon of all-purpose spice mix and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Adjust the seasoning to taste if necessary.

8. Simmer the flavors together: Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, so that the beans can absorb the flavors of the spices and coconut milk.

9. Finish with fresh coriander: Just before serving, stir in the chopped coriander leaves. Mix well and remove from heat.

10. Serve: Serve the Jamaican-style kidney beans with coconut milk hot, as a main dish or side. It pairs well with rice, flatbread, or over a bed of greens.

Serving Jamaican-style kidney beans with coconut milk will delight your taste buds with its rich, creamy texture and vibrant flavors. It's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by itself or paired with rice or bread. This recipe not only satisfies hunger but also brings a touch of the Caribbean to your culinary repertoire.

Jamaican-style kidney beans with coconut milk FAQ:

How long should I soak dried kidney beans before cooking?

Dried kidney beans should be soaked overnight in water, typically for about 8-12 hours, to ensure even cooking and reduce cooking time.

What is the best way to know when the kidney beans are done cooking?

Kidney beans are done cooking when they are tender and can be easily mashed between your fingers or with a fork. If using dried beans, boiling them for about 1-1.5 hours after soaking usually works well.

Can I substitute coconut milk with anything else?

Coconut milk can be substituted with a combination of dairy cream and water for a creamier texture, or for a dairy-free option, use almond milk; however, the flavor will be different.

How should I store leftover Jamaican-style kidney beans?

Leftover Jamaican-style kidney beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

What can I serve with Jamaican-style kidney beans?

These kidney beans pair well with rice, flatbread, or over a bed of greens. They can also be enjoyed as a hearty side dish or a main dish on their own.

Tips:

- Soak the kidney beans overnight or for at least 8 hours to ensure they cook faster and more evenly.

- If using canned kidney beans, rinse them thoroughly to remove any excess sodium.

- Adding the coconut milk towards the end of the cooking process helps to retain its creamy texture and flavor.

- Adjust the level of red pepper to suit your spice tolerance.

- Feel free to garnish the dish with additional fresh coriander leaves for an extra burst of flavor and color.

- Cook the beans on a low simmer to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 410kcal
Protein 18g
Carbohydrates 55g
Fiber 15g
Sugar 6g
Fat 22g

Jamaican-style kidney beans with coconut milk