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Photo by Chris De La Rosa
Two years back we kicked off the New Year with my incredibly tasty Cook Up Rice, loaded with chicken, salted pigtail pieces and black eyed peas for the good luck associated with using it at the start of a new year. While you’ll see similarities with that recipe and the beef version we’re about to make, it will also be apparent that I didn’t follow the sort of traditional rules this time.
Photo by Chris De La Rosa
You’ll Need…
1 1/2 lb stewing beef (1 inch pieces)
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 large carrot (diced)
1 med tomato (diced)
6 cloves garlic (smashed)
1 medium onion (sliced)
2 tablespoon Caribbean Green Seasoning
1 scotch bonnet pepper (sliced)
1 can red kidney beans (rinsed)
3 cups coconut milk
1 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 tablespoon salt (adjust)
8-10 okra (sliced)
1/2 lb pumpkin (diced)
1/2 lb spinach (chopped)
3 cups bar-boiled brown rice (washed)
8-9 cups water (divided/adjust)
Photo by Chris De La Rosa
Heat the oil on a medium flame in a wide/heavy pot, then add the pieces of beef and brown. You may want to turn the heat down to med/low (I explained why I didn’t season and marinate the beef prior in the video).
Photo by Chris De La Rosa
After about 8 minutes, add the tomato paste and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Photo by Chris De La Rosa
With 3 cups of rice it will yield a lot of food (feeds between 8-10 people) and rather than do the 2-1 ratio (liquid – rice), I went with 7 cups of water. You may need to add more later if you like your cook-up rice on the wet or soggy side.
Photo by Chris De La Rosa
This classic one pot Caribbean dish is usually served with a simple salad, slices of ripe avocado and lately it seems people enjoy coleslaw as a side. Don’t forget to have a tall cold glass of Mauby.
This recipe is easily doubled or tripled if you’re cooking for a larger crowd. Just adjust the seasonings and liquid accordingly. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I substitute the beef with chicken or pork? Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken or pork. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly.
- Can I use fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned? Yes, you can use fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned. Just adjust the cooking time and seasonings accordingly.
- How long can I store the cooked rice? Cooked rice can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion:
This classic Caribbean beef cook-up rice recipe is a staple in many Caribbean households. It’s a one-pot dish that’s easy to make and perfect for special occasions or everyday meals. The addition of Scotch bonnet peppers gives it a unique flavor that’s characteristic of Caribbean cuisine. I hope you enjoy this recipe and make it a part of your family’s culinary traditions.