Jamaican Spiced Vegetable Rice

Name: Jamaican Spiced Vegetable Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 onion, finely chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 bell pepper, diced (any color); 1 carrot, diced; 1 cup frozen peas; 1 teaspoon ground allspice; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 scotch bonnet pepper, halved (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: International World Food Inspiration

I love making Jamaican Spiced Vegetable Rice because it’s a vibrant and colorful dish that brings a taste of the islands to my kitchen. The blend of spices fills the air with an inviting aroma, and the variety of vegetables adds a lovely crunch. I typically serve this dish as a side for family barbecues or as a comforting main course. It’s easy to prepare and can be tailored to suit various dietary needs with simple ingredient swaps. This just might become your new go-to rice dish!

Created by

Rebecca Turner

Last updated on 2026-01-06T15:17:34.756Z

When I first tried Jamaican Spiced Vegetable Rice, I was captivated by the depth of flavor. The combination of allspice, thyme, and scotch bonnet pepper creates a unique taste that’s both warming and fresh. I've experimented with adding different vegetables based on what's in season and have loved every variation, although I always keep the spices the same because they really make the dish sing.

One secret to a perfect pot of rice is to rinse it thoroughly before cooking, which helps to remove excess starch. This gives the rice a fluffier texture, allowing the spices to enhance each bite rather than clump together. Enjoying this dish alongside grilled meats or beans makes for a fulfilling meal.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bursting with vibrant Caribbean flavors
Nutritious and filling, perfect for any occasion
Simple to prepare with easily available ingredients

      

The Role of Spices

The spices in Jamaican Spiced Vegetable Rice are essential for creating that signature Caribbean flavor profile. Ground allspice brings warmth and sweetness, while dried thyme adds an earthy note. Together, they enhance the rice without overpowering the taste of the fresh vegetables. If you're a fan of heat, adding the scotch bonnet pepper infuses a fiery kick. Be cautious with the amount; even just half can significantly change the dish's character. If scotch bonnet peppers are hard to find, a jalapeño can be a milder alternative.

When cooking with spices, make sure to sauté them briefly with the vegetables. This technique releases their essential oils, intensifying their flavors. You'll know they're ready when they become fragrant and beautifully aromatic, usually within 2-3 minutes of cooking. This step elevates your dish from simple vegetable rice to a vibrant, flavorful experience that captures the essence of Jamaican cooking.

Vegetable Variations

While this recipe includes bell peppers, carrots, and peas, it's very adaptable. Feel free to substitute or add whatever vegetables you have on hand. Zucchini, corn, or even diced sweet potatoes would work wonderfully, providing diverse textures and flavors. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary; denser vegetables, like sweet potatoes, will require longer cooking to become tender, so you might want to precook them briefly before adding them to the pot.

If you’re looking for a protein boost, consider adding cooked black beans or chickpeas when you introduce the rice. They’ll meld beautifully with the spices while contributing extra nutrition and texture. Just ensure you adjust your liquid amounts accordingly to prevent making the rice too mushy.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Jamaican Spiced Vegetable Rice can be made ahead of time—perfect for meal prepping! Once cooled, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth to prevent the rice from drying out. Microwave it on medium power or reheat it on the stovetop for an evenly warmed dish.

This versatile rice can serve as a side or a main dish. Pair it with grilled jerk chicken for a complete meal or enjoy it on its own with a dollop of mango chutney for a refreshing twist. Adding fresh cilantro or parsley right before serving also brightens the dish, making it visually appealing and delicious.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to start cooking:

For the Rice

1 cup long-grain rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
1 carrot, diced
1 cup frozen peas
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 scotch bonnet pepper, halved (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Mix and match these ingredients according to your taste!

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Follow these steps to create your dish:

Rinse the Rice

Start by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and will help in achieving fluffy rice.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes.

Add Spices and Vegetables

Stir in the diced bell pepper, carrot, ground allspice, and thyme. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add the frozen peas and mix well.

Cook the Rice

Add the rinsed rice, vegetable broth, and half of the scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Stir to combine, bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Fluff and Serve

Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve warm.

Enjoy your homemade Jamaican Spiced Vegetable Rice!

Pro Tips

For a heartier dish, consider adding black beans or chickpeas. Also, adjust the heat by adding more or less scotch bonnet pepper, depending on your preference.

Texture Tips

Achieving the perfect texture in your rice is key to the overall satisfaction of this dish. Rinsing the rice thoroughly is crucial; it removes excess starch that can make the rice gummy rather than fluffy. After rinsing, let it drain briefly to ensure that the grains are less likely to stick together during cooking. The ideal cooking time is generally 20 minutes, but a quick taste test at the end can help you decide if it needs just a couple more minutes on the heat.

When the rice has finished cooking, resist the urge to open the lid immediately. Letting it rest for 5 minutes off the heat allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and creates a fluffier end result. When you finally fluff it with a fork, it should have a light and airy texture, perfectly complementing the vegetables.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable based on your needs. If you want to make a larger batch for gatherings, simply double or triple the ingredients, maintaining the same cooking method. Just ensure your pot is large enough to accommodate the extra rice and vegetables without overcrowding. If using a stovetop pot, you might need to extend the cooking time slightly, so check for tenderness towards the end of the initial cooking time.

For smaller households, consider halving the recipe. Leftover rice can easily be stored and enjoyed later, but if you want to guarantee freshness, consider freezing individual portions. Once cooled, transfer the rice into freezer-safe bags and lay them flat for easy storage. They can last in the freezer for up to a month. When ready to eat, microwave it directly from the freezer with a bit of liquid to avoid dryness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time. Adjust the liquid and cooking time accordingly.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

This recipe is already vegan! Just ensure the broth you use is vegetable-based.

→ Can I prepare this rice in advance?

Absolutely! You can cook it ahead of time and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen it.

→ What if I can't find a scotch bonnet pepper?

You can substitute with a habanero pepper for similar heat, or leave it out for a milder flavor.