Description
Jamaican Pumpkin Rice is a vibrant, creamy one-pot meal bursting with the flavors of fragrant spices, tender pumpkin, fresh vegetables, and creamy coconut milk. This wholesome dish features wholegrain rice simmered with aromatic allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet chilli for a subtle heat, making it an authentic taste of Caribbean comfort food that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 Onion, diced
- 2 Garlic Cloves, crushed
- 1 Scotch Bonnet Chilli, chopped
- 350 g Pumpkin, diced
- 2 Red Peppers, chopped
- 200 g Cabbage, cut into strips
Spices & Herbs
- 1 pinch of Allspice
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
Liquids & Others
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 220 g Wholegrain Rice
- 350 mL Coconut Milk (canned)
- 400 mL Vegetable Stock
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, crushed garlic, allspice, dried thyme, and chopped scotch bonnet chili. Sauté until the mixture is fragrant and the onions start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate the diced pumpkin, chopped red peppers, and cabbage strips into the skillet. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to begin tenderizing.
- Add Rice and Liquids: Stir in the wholegrain rice, then pour in the coconut milk and vegetable stock. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preference. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer to Cook: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and let the pumpkin rice simmer for approximately 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the dish has a creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Notes
- Wholegrain rice can be substituted with brown rice for a similar nutritional profile.
- Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet chili to control the spiciness of the dish.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat coconut milk.
- This dish pairs well with grilled meats or can be enjoyed as a hearty vegetarian main.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Jamaican
