Jamaican vegetables, beans & rice

Caroline Marson: Food writer

This is a well known Jamaican family dish that was traditionally served on Mondays for using up the salty ham left over from the previous Sunday dinner. There are many variations of this recipe; this Jamaican version uses coconut milk, but you could use stock if you prefer. This recipe is an ideal base for adding any vegetables that you have lurking in the back of the fridge.

Ingredients: serves 4 - 6

75 g streaky bacon (chopped roughly)
1 onion (peeled and chopped)
2 garlic cloves (peeled and crushed)
250 g ham (cut up in pieces)
½ tsp cayenne pepper
½ tsp thyme (dried)
300 g long grain rice
mixed vegetables (cooked)
salt
black pepper (ground)
2 sprigs coriander
1 generous dash tabasco sauce
400 ml coconut milk
800 g kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

Method:

In a non-stick medium pan, add the chopped bacon and cook until the fat is released then add the onion and garlic and cook until just soft over a low heat.
Add the beans, coconut milk, ham or sausage, cayenne pepper and thyme and bring to the boil. Allow it to cook, stirring for about 1 minute.
Add the rice and 450ml boiling water, turn down the heat to barely a simmer, cover and leave undisturbed for about 25 minutes.
When the rice is tender, stir gently and add any leftover vegetables, then season to taste.

To serve:

Serve in bowls and garnish with coriander sprigs, allow your guests to help themselves to the spicy sauce.

Recipe tips:

It's best to serve rice when it has just been cooked. If that isn't possible, cool the rice as quickly as possible (ideally within one hour) and keep it in the fridge for no more than one day until reheating. Never leave cooked rice to cool on its own - always chill it quickly for example under running cold water. If cooked rice had been chilled or frozen ensure that it is thoroughly reheated and is piping hot throughout. Never keep rice chilled for longer than 1 day or frozen for longer than 1 month. Once cooked rice has been re-heated, throw away any leftovers. Never re-heat rice more than once.