Jamaican Spiced Vegetable Rice

Name: Jamaican Spiced Vegetable Rice
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 teaspoon allspice; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh); 1 cup green beans, chopped; 1 carrot, diced

Highlighted under: Authentic World Food Recipes

I absolutely love making Jamaican Spiced Vegetable Rice, especially when I'm looking for a vibrant yet comforting dish. The combination of spices and fresh vegetables creates a mouthwatering flavor that transports me straight to the Caribbean. Every time I serve it, the colorful presentation impresses my guests, and everyone enjoys the hearty yet simple ingredients. It's become my go-to recipe for family gatherings and festive occasions, and I can't wait to share it with you!

Created by

Abigail Moore

Last updated on 2026-01-06T13:41:34.597Z

When I first tried Jamaican Spiced Vegetable Rice, I was amazed by how a few simple spices could create such a depth of flavor. I particularly enjoy the warm notes of allspice and thyme, which perfectly complement the fresh vegetables. During my last attempt, I added a handful of black beans, giving it a nice protein boost and making it even more filling.

Cooking rice with spices instead of plain water makes such a difference in taste! I strongly recommend using vegetable broth for an extra layer of flavor. Also, let it simmer with the lid on to lock in moisture, resulting in perfectly fluffy rice every time!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful medley of spices for a burst of flavor
Colorful vegetables make it visually appealing
Versatile enough to serve as a main or side dish

Ingredient Insights

The choice of basmati rice is essential for this Jamaican Spiced Vegetable Rice. Basmati has a unique fragrance and fluffy texture that helps it absorb the spice-infused broth perfectly. Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, preventing it from becoming gummy, ensuring each grain remains separate and light. If you prefer another rice type, jasmine or long-grain rice can serve as alternatives but will yield a slightly different texture and taste.

Vegetable broth enriches the dish with a deep, savory flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile. Opt for a low-sodium variety to maintain control over the saltiness of the final dish, especially since we add seasoning later. If you're in a pinch, a homemade vegetable stock can elevate the flavors even more and allow you to control what goes into your dish.

Cooking Techniques

To get the most flavor from the spices, toasting the rice is a crucial technique. By cooking it in oil before adding the liquid, the rice absorbs the aromatic oils, enhancing its flavor. Aim for a light golden hue while stirring to prevent burning. Pay close attention during this stage; it takes just 2 minutes, and any overcooking will affect the dish's overall taste.

When sautéing the vegetables, it's important to cook them just enough to retain their color and crunch. Aim for a vibrant look, as this indicates they're perfectly cooked yet still fresh. If you're using frozen corn, don’t thaw it beforehand; adding it frozen can help maintain its juicy texture and sweetness. Ensure every vegetable is cut uniformly for even cooking.

Ingredients

For the rice

1 cup basmati rice
2 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon allspice
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the vegetables

1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 cup corn kernels (frozen or fresh)
1 cup green beans, chopped
1 carrot, diced

Mix and match your favorite vegetables to customize this dish!

Instructions

Prepare the rice

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the rice and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour in the vegetable broth, allspice, thyme, and salt, then bring to a boil.

Cook the vegetables

In a separate pan, sauté the onion and garlic in a bit of oil until softened. Add the bell pepper, corn, green beans, and carrot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are bright and tender.

Combine and finish

Once the rice has boiled, reduce the heat to low and cover it. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. When ready, fluff the rice with a fork and gently mix in the sautéed vegetables.

Enjoy your delicious Jamaican Spiced Vegetable Rice with your favorite protein!

Pro Tips

For added richness, consider adding coconut milk to the rice as it cooks. It will elevate the dish both in flavor and creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

Jamaican Spiced Vegetable Rice shines as both a main dish or accompaniment. To elevate it as a main, consider adding protein like chickpeas or grilled tofu. These options not only complement the spices but also enhance the nutritional value. Garnishing with fresh cilantro or lime adds a burst of freshness that brightens the dish perfectly.

For a festive twist, serve this dish alongside traditional Jamaican favorites, such as jerk chicken or fish, to create a vibrant, flavorful meal. The spicy notes of jerk seasonings harmonize beautifully with the fragrant rice, creating a delightful interplay of flavors that will impress your guests.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe is ideal for meal prep and can be made ahead of time. Once cooked, let the rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, simply microwave it with a splash of vegetable broth to restore moisture, or reheat it in a sauté pan over medium heat.

If you only want to prepare the rice ahead of a gathering, you can cook it in advance and store it plain, sautéing the vegetables just before serving. This keeps the flavors bright and fresh while allowing you to spend more time with your guests.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time and water ratio since brown rice takes longer to cook.

→ Is this dish vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is entirely plant-based and is perfect for vegans and vegetarians alike.

→ What can I serve this rice with?

It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, tofu, or even a simple green salad.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the rice and vegetables in advance, just combine them before serving to keep it fresh.