Coconut rice, starchy “hard food,” and everyday sides

“Rice and peas” (kidney beans with coconut milk and seasonings) is one of the most important Jamaican staples—served with everything from jerk to stews, especially for big family meals. Alongside it are “ground provisions” / “hard food” (yam, green banana, plantain, breadfruit, cassava, dumplings), which act as the backbone carbs across the island’s cooking.