Bahamas Vegetarian Dirty Rice And Beans Recipe Made Easy

The Bahamas, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, also boasts a rich culinary tradition that beautifully blends Caribbean flavors with fresh, local ingredients. One classic dish that captures the essence of Bahamian comfort food is the vegetarian version of Dirty Rice and Beans.

This hearty, flavorful meal combines perfectly seasoned rice with tender beans and a medley of spices, creating a satisfying dish that’s both nutritious and deeply comforting. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to explore new tastes, this recipe brings the warmth of the islands right to your kitchen.

In this recipe, we swap out the traditional meat-based “dirty” elements for wholesome vegetables and bold herbs that mimic the depth of flavor, making it a perfect plant-based alternative. It’s easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with protein and fiber—ideal for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey to the Bahamas with this delicious vegetarian dirty rice and beans recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bahamas Vegetarian Dirty Rice and Beans recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that satisfies both the palate and the soul. Here’s why this dish will quickly become a favorite:

• Rich, authentic flavor: The blend of herbs, spices, and a touch of smoky seasoning brings a true Bahamian vibe to your plate.
• Wholesome and nutritious: Packed with plant-based protein from beans and fiber-rich rice, it’s a healthy and filling option.
• Easy to make: Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make it accessible for beginner cooks and busy weeknights.
• Perfect for meal prep: This dish stores well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.
• Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or a hearty side to complement your favorite vegan or vegetarian meals.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup cooked red kidney beans (or canned, rinsed and drained)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for extra umami)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan with lid
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander or sieve (for rinsing rice and beans)

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
2. Sauté the vegetables: While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, green bell pepper, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the spices: Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, allspice, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their aromas.
4. Combine beans and rice: Add the cooked kidney beans to the skillet and stir well to combine with the veggies and spices. Then gently fold in the cooked rice. If you want an extra depth of flavor, pour in the soy sauce and mix thoroughly.
5. Simmer and blend flavors: Reduce heat to low and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped green onions and fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Tips & Variations

“For a smokier flavor, try adding a few drops of liquid smoke or smoked sea salt.”

• Switch up the beans: Feel free to use black beans, pigeon peas, or chickpeas based on your preference or what’s available.
• Add plant-based protein: To make it even heartier, toss in crumbled tofu or tempeh sautéed with a bit of Cajun seasoning.
• Use brown rice: For a nuttier texture and added fiber, substitute brown rice. Just increase the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it spicier: Increase cayenne pepper or add diced Scotch bonnet pepper for authentic Caribbean heat.
• Try coconut rice: Replace half the vegetable broth with coconut milk for a creamy, tropical flavor twist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian dirty rice and beans dish is wonderfully versatile. Serve it as a main course with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for a light, balanced meal.

It also pairs beautifully with Caribbean-inspired dishes like fried plantains or a crisp mango avocado salsa.

For a more indulgent experience, try it alongside some of your favorite vegan or vegetarian breads. If you’re interested in baking, check out our Green Chile Cheese Bread Recipe or the Hamburger Bun Sourdough Recipe to complement the meal perfectly.

And if you’re in the mood for a sweet finish, you can’t go wrong with our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe—it’s the perfect way to round out a Bahamian-inspired feast.

Conclusion

Embracing the flavors of the Bahamas with this vegetarian dirty rice and beans recipe offers a delicious, wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with vibrant Caribbean flair. The combination of aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and hearty beans creates a dish that’s both comforting and nutritious, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy plant-based cooking with an island twist.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to vegetarian dishes, this recipe is approachable and adaptable, making it a fantastic addition to your weekly meal plan. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to introduce friends and family to Bahamian cuisine in a healthy, satisfying way.

So fire up your stove, gather your ingredients, and bring a taste of the islands to your home today!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Bahamas Vegetarian Dirty Rice and Beans”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A flavorful Bahamian-inspired vegetarian dish combining seasoned rice and beans with aromatic spices. Perfect as a hearty and nutritious main or side dish.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup long-grain white rice”, “1 cup cooked black beans”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/2 green bell pepper, chopped”, “1/2 cup celery, chopped”, “1 tablespoon vegetable oil”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1/2 teaspoon ground allspice”, “1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper”, “2 cups vegetable broth”, “Salt and black pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Saut\u00e9 onion, garlic, bell pepper, and celery until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add smoked paprika, thyme, allspice, cayenne, salt, and pepper; stir well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add rice and stir to coat with spices and vegetables.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in cooked black beans and cook uncovered for 5-10 minutes until liquid is absorbed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Fluff rice with a fork and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “55 g”}}