Pot Haitian Rice Beans: A Comforting Caribbean Delight

Pot Haitian Rice Beans is a comforting Caribbean classic that brings the vibrant flavors of Haiti to your dinner table. This dish, also known as Diri Kole ak Pwa, combines tender red kidney beans with fluffy jasmine rice, infused with aromatic herbs like thyme and the heat of Scotch bonnet pepper. As an authentic recipe, it showcases the rich culinary heritage of Haiti, making it a favorite among families and food lovers alike. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish effortlessly!

Why You’ll Love This Pot Haitian Rice Beans

This recipe for Pot Haitian Rice Beans is not just easy to prepare; it’s packed with flavor and nutritional benefits, making it a staple in Haitian cuisine. Here are a few reasons to love this dish:

• Quick cooking time with the Instant Pot, allowing for a delicious meal in under an hour.
• Rich in protein and fiber from the beans, making it a healthy option.
• Versatile and customizable; you can add your favorite proteins or vegetables.
• Perfect for meal prep, as it stores well in the fridge or freezer.
• Great as a side dish or a main course, pairing well with grilled meats.
• Reflects the traditional flavors of Haitian Rice and Beans, celebrating the culture.

Ingredients for Pot Haitian Rice Beans

Gather these items:

• 1 cup dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 sprig thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups jasmine or long-grain rice, rinsed
• 3 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional Add-ins: ½ cup coconut milk for richness, ¼ cup chopped green onions for garnish

How to Make Pot Haitian Rice Beans Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Soak dried kidney beans overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.
2. Step 2: Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and cook onion for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic, thyme, and bay leaf, cooking for another 30 seconds.
3. Step 3: Add soaked beans and 3 cups of water or broth. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Let pressure release naturally.
4. Step 4: Open lid, check beans, then add rice, salt, pepper, and Scotch bonnet. Add coconut milk if desired.
5. Step 5: Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Let naturally release for 10 minutes before quick releasing the rest.
6. Step 6: Remove thyme, bay leaf, and pepper. Fluff rice with fork and serve warm with proteins or sides.

Pro Tips for the Best Pot Haitian Rice Beans

Keep these in mind:

• Make sure beans are soaked well to ensure they cook evenly.
• Adjust the Scotch bonnet pepper according to your heat preference; this dish can be spicy!
• For added creaminess, incorporate the optional coconut milk during cooking.
• Use vegetable broth instead of water for enhanced flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Pot Haitian Rice Beans

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and proteins:

• Serve with grilled chicken or beef for a hearty meal.
• Pair with fried plantains for a classic Haitian touch.
• Top with fresh chopped green onions for a burst of color and flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Pot Haitian Rice Beans

To store, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth to bring back moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pot Haitian Rice Beans

What’s the secret to perfect Pot Haitian Rice Beans?

The key to perfect Pot Haitian Rice Beans lies in soaking the beans well and ensuring they are cooked to tenderness before adding rice. This gives the dish its signature texture.

Can I make Pot Haitian Rice Beans ahead of time?

Absolutely! Pot Haitian Rice Beans can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for meal prep, making it a convenient option for busy weeks.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Pot Haitian Rice Beans?

To avoid mushy rice, ensure that the cooking times for beans and rice are followed precisely. Using the Instant Pot helps achieve perfect results every time.

Variations of Pot Haitian Rice Beans You Can Try

Feel free to experiment with this recipe:

• Add diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Incorporate a variety of beans for a colorful, protein-packed dish.
• For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and serve with a side of sautéed vegetables.

For more delicious recipes, check out our homemade tomato sauce or try spaghetti with garlic and oil for a quick meal. You can also explore roasted carrot soup for a comforting side dish.

Pot Haitian Rice Beans: A Comforting Caribbean Delight

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Authentic Instant Pot Haitian Rice and Beans Recipe: Bold Flavor Made Easy

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 8 hours
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Haitian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup dried red kidney beans, soaked overnight
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 sprig thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper (optional)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups jasmine or long-grain rice, rinsed
• 3 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional Add-ins: ½ cup coconut milk for richness, ¼ cup chopped green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Soak dried kidney beans overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.
2. Turn Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add olive oil and cook onion for 2–3 minutes until soft. Add garlic, thyme, and bay leaf, cooking for another 30 seconds.
3. Add soaked beans and 3 cups of water or broth. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Let pressure release naturally.
4. Open lid, check beans, then add rice, salt, pepper, and Scotch bonnet. Add coconut milk if desired.
5. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Let naturally release for 10 minutes before quick releasing the rest.
6. Remove thyme, bay leaf, and pepper. Fluff rice with fork and serve warm with proteins or sides.

Notes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 0mg