Sometimes, the simplest recipes can be the most satisfying. This Jamaican curry rice is one of those dishes.
Made with rice, curry powder, onions, garlic, and mixed vegetables, this recipe transforms ordinary rice into a colourful and flavourful side dish with very little effort.
I especially love recipes like this because they don’t require a long list of ingredients or hours in the kitchen. A few spices and vegetables can completely change the flavour of plain rice and make it feel like a whole new meal.
Whether served alongside chicken, fish, beans, or your favourite vegetable dish, this easy curry rice is a wonderful way to add a little extra flavour to your plate. Try it nuh!
INGREDIENTS
- 1½ cups rice, rinsed
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1½–2 teaspoons curry powder (or more for a deeper colour)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt to taste (optional)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables
- Water, enough to cook the rice according to package instructions
INSTRUCTIONS
- Rinse the rice well and set aside.
- Heat the oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Add the curry powder, paprika, and onion powder.
- Stir continuously for a few seconds to allow the spices to become fragrant.
- Be careful not to let the spices burn.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir until the grains are evenly coated with the spices.
- The rice should begin to take on a beautiful golden-yellow colour.
- Pour in enough water to cover the rice according to your preferred rice-to-water ratio.
- Add the mixed vegetables and stir.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover.
- Cook until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm with your preferred side dishes.
- Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
This curry rice pairs wonderfully with:
- Stew chicken
- Baked chicken
- Steamed fish
- Brown stew beans
- Curried chickpeas
- Callaloo
- Roasted vegetables
- Others as desired
Notes
This Jamaican curry rice is proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients to make a flavourful and satisfying dish.
Simple, colourful, and incredibly versatile, it’s an easy recipe to keep in your meal rotation whenever you’re looking to give plain rice a delicious upgrade.
Because sometimes, all it takes is a little curry, a few vegetables, and a good pot of rice.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use brown rice?
Absolutely. Brown rice can be substituted, though it will require a longer cooking time and additional water.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Bell peppers, carrots, green peas, corn, and scallions work beautifully in this recipe.
Is curry rice spicy?
Not necessarily. Curry powder adds warmth and flavour rather than significant heat.
Here are some other recipes to try:
- Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
- Jamaican Seasoned Rice with a Nutritional Twist
- Jamaican Ackee and Saltfish
- Garlic Stir-fry String Beans
- Turmeric – An Aged Old Spice – 5 Awesome ‘Must-Know’ Benefits
Ingredient Spotlight!
~ Curry Powder~
Curry powder often contains spices such as turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fenugreek.
Turmeric contains curcumin, a plant compound that has been studied for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
To good health!


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