Caribbean Red Beans and Turmeric Rice

Caribbean red beans and rice is a popular dish far and wide, and for good reason! Not only is it bursting with flavor, it is also affordable, nutrient-rich and a great source of complete plant protein. It is also naturally gluten free and vegan and very easy to make!

Traditionally, this recipe would be made with dry beans, but I’ve created this super fast, super easy, no-pressure-cooker-needed version to make this recipe super accessible to everyone!

Is Caribbean Red Beans & Rice healthy?

Heck yes! Beans and rice are a match made in heaven – a SUPER meal. It is incredibly nutritious as it packs 12g of complete plant protein in every serving, is rich with vitamins and minerals, and high in fiber which helps improve digestion. Couple it with some massaged kale and you are giving your body all the nutrients it needs!

Plus, one of my favorite simple tips to look and feel your absolute best is to fill half of your plate with fresh greens. This can be any green you love: massaged kale, shredded iceberg, chopped romaine, spring greens, arugula, and more! Why is this such a great tip?

• Greens are extremely filling but have a low caloric density
• They add a delicious brightness and contrast in texture
• They lighten up any meal by cutting your carbs in half
• They improve digestion and reduce bloating
• They are incredibly nutrient-rich and full of antioxidants

This technique of filling half your plate with greens can be done with just about any recipe, but for more ideas check out my Creamy Lentil Curry with Roasted Butternut Squash or this Green Goddess Bowl. I also love coupling fresh greens with pasta in the same bowl – so delicious! If you make this recipe I would love to hear what you think in the comments below!

Caribbean Red Beans & Turmeric Rice

This Caribbean Red Beans and Turmeric Rice is comfort food meets tropical island flavor! It’s easy to make, flavor-packed, and full of nutrients and plant-protein.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: caribbean

Keyword: gluten free vegan baking, jackfruitful, jackfruitfulkitchen, red beans and rice, the clean vegan, vegan red beans and rice

Servings: 4

Author: jackfruitfulkitchen

Ingredients

Turmeric Rice

• 1 tsp olive oil, vegetable broth, or water for cooking
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2" piece fresh ginger, minced
• 1 tsp cumin seed
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 3/4 cup water
• 2 limes, zested and juiced
• 2 small carrots, finely shredded
• 1 medium english cucumber, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, chopped

Caribbean Red Beans

• 14 oz canned red kidney beans
• 1 tsp jerk seasoning
• 1 tsp coconut aminos or gluten free soy sauce

Massaged Kale

• 1 bunch lacinato kale, stems removed, finely chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tsp cold pressed olive oil

Instructions

• Add oil or water to a medium sauce pan and add garlic, ginger, cumin, and turmeric. Sauté 2 min until fragrant. Add in rice and stir to combine. Pour in water, lime zest, and lime juice and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, add the beans to a small saucepan with jerk seasoning and aminos. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes until heated through.
• Prepare your kale by adding it to a large mixing bowl and drizzling with lemon juice and olive oil. Use your hands to massage the kale for 15-30 seconds until tender. Divide between 4 serving bowls.
• Once the rice is ready, stir in the carrot, cucumber, coconut, cranberries, almonds, and cilantro. Cook for another 2 minutes until heated through and carrots have softened.
• Top kale with rice and beans. Garnish with additional cilantro and hot sauce if desired.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!