Jamaican Coconut Chickpea Rice Skillet

Name: Jamaican Coconut Chickpea Rice Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup jasmine rice; 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk; 1 ½ cups vegetable broth; 1 cup diced bell pepper; 1 cup diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tsp curry powder; 1 tsp allspice; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish

Highlighted under: Everyday World Food Ideas

I love cooking dishes that transport me to another place and time, and this Jamaican Coconut Chickpea Rice Skillet is one of those dishes. With a vibrant medley of ingredients, it brings together the creamy richness of coconut milk, the nuttiness of chickpeas, and the warmth of Caribbean spices. In just one skillet, I can whip up a meal that's not only satisfying but also bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s an excellent way to enjoy a meat-free meal without compromising on taste or texture.

Created by

Cecilia Grant

Last updated on 2026-01-14T04:29:34.871Z

When I first made this Jamaican Coconut Chickpea Rice Skillet, I was amazed at how quickly the flavors melded together. The coconut milk adds a creamy texture while complementing the spices perfectly, making each bite a delightful experience. One trick I’ve learned is to let the rice sit covered for a few minutes before serving—it really helps absorb the last bit of flavor!

I also love how versatile this dish is; you can easily adapt it by adding seasonal vegetables or using different spices to suit your taste. Each variation is a little journey to the tropics, and my family can't get enough of it!

        Reasons You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy coconut milk combines beautifully with chickpeas for a nutritious staple.
The blend of spices creates a tropical flavor that transports you to Jamaica.
One-pan cooking means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.

      

Ingredient Insights

The choice of jasmine rice in this recipe is significant. Jasmine rice has a delicate floral aroma and a slightly sticky texture when cooked, which enhances the overall creaminess of the coconut milk. Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch; this helps achieve the desired texture and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. If you're looking for a substitute, basmati rice can be used but may alter the flavor profile slightly, as it has a nuttier taste.

Chickpeas not only provide a protein boost but also a satisfying texture that complements the creamy coconut sauce. They hold their shape well during cooking, offering a pleasant contrast to the soft rice. If you're in a pinch, you could replace chickpeas with black beans or lentils, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. Lentils, for example, will absorb liquid faster and need a shorter cooking time.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the aromatics at the beginning is a crucial step in building flavor. Cooking the onions, bell peppers, and garlic until they're soft and fragrant not only releases their natural sugars, enhancing sweetness, but also lays the foundation for the spices. Watch for the onion to become nearly transparent; this typically takes about 3-5 minutes over medium heat. This step adds depth to the dish and ensures that every component is harmonized.

When combining ingredients and simmering, it's essential to monitor the liquid-to-rice ratio. Too much liquid can lead to mushy rice, while too little might leave it undercooked. The ideal outcome is fluffy rice that has absorbed all the flavorful broth. If you find your rice isn't fully cooked at the end of the suggested time, simply add an extra 1/4 cup of water and cover for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to steam gently.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This Jamaican Coconut Chickpea Rice Skillet is versatile and can be served as a main dish or as a side. Pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to create a well-rounded meal. For a fresh touch, consider adding avocado slices or lime wedges as a finishing garnish; this adds a nice brightness and balances the creaminess of the dish. For an extra kick, a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavors even more.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to bring back the creaminess. This dish also freezes well; portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it can last for up to 3 months. Just be mindful that the rice may become softer upon reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.

Ingredients

For the Skillet

1 cup jasmine rice
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
1 ½ cups vegetable broth
1 cup diced bell pepper
1 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp curry powder
1 tsp allspice
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic until the onion is translucent.

Add the Spices

Stir in the curry powder and allspice, cooking for another minute until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients

Add the jasmine rice, chickpeas, coconut milk, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer.

Cook the Rice

Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Final Touches

Remove from heat and let it sit for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

Feel free to customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices according to your taste.

Variations to Explore

While the original recipe shines with its tropical flair, don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite vegetables. Zucchini, spinach, or carrots can be delicious additions. Just remember to adjust the cooking time for any raw vegetables added; for example, zucchini can be sautéed alongside the onions for a tender texture that melds well with the dish.

For those looking to spice things up, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper with the spices. This additional heat can create an exciting layer of flavor that complements the sweetness of the coconut and the earthiness of the chickpeas.

Troubleshooting Tips

If you find the rice is sticking to the bottom of the skillet, it’s likely because the heat is too high. Make sure to keep the heat on low while cooking to allow the rice to absorb the liquid gradually without burning. Using a good non-stick skillet can help prevent this issue significantly.

In case the dish turns out too dry, recline your worries. Just add a splash of vegetable broth or water to moisten it back up. If it’s too wet, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to allow excess moisture to evaporate. This way, you can easily achieve the perfect consistency.

Make Ahead Tips

If you’re planning to serve this dish for a meal prep, consider cooking the rice and chickpeas ahead of time. You can combine them with the prepared coconut milk and spices just before serving. This method allows you to save time while still delivering full flavor, as flavors will meld beautifully right before serving.

You can also prep the aromatics the day before. Chop the onions and bell peppers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This small step can save you about 10 minutes of preparation time on busy days, and you’ll still achieve that fresh flavor when you sauté them.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use brown rice instead of jasmine rice?

Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice typically requires more liquid and a longer cooking time.

→ Is this dish vegan?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are plant-based, making it a great vegan option.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Just reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen it up.

→ What can I serve it with?

This dish can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a fresh salad or flatbread.