Bhaji rice is another wonderful “one pot” dish that is really delicious. This rice dish belongs to, what I would term, the mixed rice family. It is a popular Caribbean dish that has gained worldwide recognition not just for its taste but also for its simplicity and versatility. The dish is made with cooked rice and vegetables that are sautéed in onion, pimento pepper, and garlic. The vegetable most suited for this dish is dasheen (taro) leaves.
The preparation of bhaji rice is simple and straightforward, making it an ideal dish for busy individuals or families. The rice and vegetables are cooked together in a single pot, which saves time and effort. Moreover, the dish can be served as a main course or a side dish, depending on the occasion. It is also a great meal option for those who are health-conscious as it is low in fat and high in fiber. Overall, bhaji rice is a flavorful and filling dish that is loved by many and is worth trying for anyone who appreciates Caribbean cuisine.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes mis
Course: Rice Dishes
Cuisine: Caribbean, East Indian
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 onion chopped
- 4 pimento peppers chopped
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 12 dasheen leaves taro
- 1/2 hot pepper
- 3 pieces pigtail
- 2 1/2 cups rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pk coconut milk powder 50g or about 1 cup of coconut milk
- 1 tbsp. roucou or tomato paste
- Salt to taste optional
Instructions
- Chop the pigtail into 1″ pieces and pressure cook for about 10 to 15 minutes or until soft. Wash and cut up the dasheen (taro) leaves making sure to remove the tips.
- Saute the garlic, onion and pimento. Add the dasheen leaves then add the pigtail and hot pepper. Mix the ingredients so that everything is evenly coated with oil.
- Add the rice, coconut milk powder and roucou. Add a little water and simmer over a medium fire for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid the rice sticking.
- When the rice is cooked lower the flame and continue until most of the water has evaporated. Adjust salt to taste.
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Recipe © Simply Trini Cooking. All rights reserved
Trini Bhaji Rice
Ingredients
- 1 onion chopped
- 4 pimento peppers chopped
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- 12 dasheen leaves taro
- 1/2 hot pepper
- 3 pieces pigtail
- 2 1/2 cups rice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pk coconut milk powder 50g or about 1 cup of coconut milk
- 1 tbsp. roucou or tomato paste
- Salt to taste optional
Instructions
- Chop the pigtail into 1″ pieces and pressure cook for about 10 to 15 minutes or until soft. Wash and cut up the dasheen (taro) leaves making sure to remove the tips.
- Saute the garlic, onion and pimento. Add the dasheen leaves then add the pigtail and hot pepper. Mix the ingredients so that everything is evenly coated with oil.
- Add the rice, coconut milk powder and roucou. Add a little water and simmer over a medium fire for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid the rice sticking.
- When the rice is cooked lower the flame and continue until most of the water has evaporated. Adjust salt to taste.