Easy Bhagi Rice Recipe – A Trini Classic

Have You Ever Wondered How to Make a Truly Authentic Bhagi Rice Recipe That’s Quick, Nourishing, and Bursting With Flavour? If you’ve ever found yourself short on time but still craving something deeply satisfying and full of island flair, Bhagi Rice might just be your next kitchen hero.

Over the course of this year I’ve fallen beyond in love with Jassie Singh’s The Culinary Heritage of Trinbago. I try to prepare – at least – one recipe a month from it on my live streams. Last week, that recipe was Bhagi Rice!

And let me tell you—it was everything.

Simple, fragrant, nostalgic, and deeply nourishing.

If you’ve never heard of bhagi before, here’s a little culinary backstory…

What Is Bhagi, and Why Is It So Good for You?

Bhagi is the Hindi word for spinach, but here in Trinidad, when we talk about bhagi, we’re usually referring to amaranth leaves—a green that’s sturdier and more mineral in flavour than regular spinach.

Bhagi is often overlooked as a humble leafy green, but in truth, it’s a nutritional powerhouse that delivers:

• Iron & Magnesium to help boost energy levels
• Fibre to aid digestion and keep you feeling full longer
• Antioxidants that support overall health and reduce inflammation
• Plant-based protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans

No wonder amaranth is now being recognised globally as a superfood!

If you can’t get your hands on bhagi, feel free to swap in spinach or callaloo bush—it’ll still hit the right notes.

Why You’ll Love This Bhagi Rice Recipe

Bhagi Rice is a Trinidadian classic that’s just as welcome at a Sunday lunch as it is during the week when time is tight and you want something wholesome.

Here’s why it’s become a staple in my kitchen:

• It’s easy to make, even for beginners
• It uses budget-friendly ingredients
• It’s naturally vegan (or easily adaptable with saltfish or smoked meats)
• It cooks in one pot—less washing up!
• It’s deeply flavourful with very little effort

The Secret to Flavour: Traditional Trini Seasoning

What makes this dish sing is the way we layer the flavours:

• Garlic & onion form a rich base
• Pimento peppers bring a hint of sweet heat
• A whole hot pepper adds that signature Caribbean kick (don’t worry, it’s optional)
• A splash of coconut milk (if you fancy) gives it a lovely creamy texture

This recipe honours tradition, but also leaves room for you to make it your own.

My Recommended Kitchen Tools + Ingredients

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1. Rice Cooker with Steaming Tray
   This saves so much time and gives perfect rice every time—no guesswork, no stress.

2. Cast Iron Dutch Pot
   Heavy-duty and perfect for building rich, layered flavour in your sauté base.

3. Wooden Spoon Set
   Gentle on pots and just right for that “sweet hand” stirring.

4. Caribbean Hot Pepper Sauce
   A drizzle of this? Instant elevation. Adds that signature Trini heat without overpowering.

5. Garlic Press
   Because chopping garlic by hand every time isn’t always the vibe.

6. Trinidadian Pimento Pepper Sauce
   If you don’t have access to fresh or frozen Trinidadian pimentos, this is as must-have for authentic flavour. If you know, you know.

How to Make Bhagi Rice (Step-by-Step)

1. Prepare the Bhagi

• Remove any woody stalks or flower buds
• Wash thoroughly
• Roughly chop the leaves

2. Sauté Your Aromatics

• Heat oil in a heavy pot
• Add onions, garlic, pimientos, and hot pepper
• Cook until fragrant

3. Add the Rice

• Stir in rice and let it toast gently for 5 minutes

4. Wilt the Greens

• Add bhagi and stir until slightly wilted

5. Add Liquid & Simmer

• Pour in water or coconut milk
• Add salt
• Cover and bring to a boil
• Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed

6. Add Salted Meats (Optional)

• If using, add pre-cooked salted meats halfway through simmering
• Fluff with a fork before serving

Bhagi Rice Recipe

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Ingredients

  

• 2 cups white rice
• 4 cups water or coconut milk for a richer result
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 hot pepper or to taste
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1/2 bundle bhagi or 1 pack pre-packaged spinach
• 1 onion chopped
• 4-6 Trinidad pimento peppers not Jamaican, seeded and chopped
• 3/4 tsp salt or to taste

Instructions

 

• Pick through the bhagi to remove any woody stalks and flower buds.
• Wash thoroughly and chop roughly.
• Heat oil in a heavy saucepan and add onion, garlic, pimientos, and hot pepper.
• Sauté until fragrant.
• Add rice and cook for 5 minutes
• Stir in the chopped bhagi and sauté for another 2–3 minutes, allowing it to wilt slightly and mix evenly with the rice and aromatics.
• Pour in the water or coconut milk, then add salt and stir to combine.
• Cover and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
• Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and let simmer for 15–20 minutes or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
• Fluff with a fork and let it sit (still covered) for another 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Adapted from: “Bhaji Rice” by Jassie Singh in The Culinary Heritage of Trinbago

Bhagi Rice Recipe Tips & Variations

Want to make this dish your own? Try one of these tweaks:

Spice It Up:

• Add geera (cumin) or curry powder for an earthy note

Add Texture:

• Mix in diced pumpkin or chopped okra for added fibre and flavour

Make It Richer:

• Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamier result

Go Protein-Packed:

• Serve with lentils or black-eyed peas for a fully vegan meal

Traditional Trinidadian Pairings for Bhagi Rice

Bhagi Rice is a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with:

• Curried chicken or goat
• Stew beef or lentils
• Fried plantains
• Dhal
• Fried or stewed fish

For a lighter plate, enjoy it simply with cucumber chow and avocado slices. Heavenly.

Where I Got This Recipe

This one comes straight from a glorious record of Trinidad & Tobago’s culinary tradition.

Jassie Singh’s “The Culinary Heritage of Trinbago” is a cookbook I return to again and again. I picked up my copy at RIK, but it’s also available on Amazon if you’re abroad.

Her version of Bhagi Rice is accessible, forgiving, and absolutely delicious.

During my last livestream, I made it fully vegan, and it was a hit with viewers!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been looking for a recipe that’s healthy, authentic, and low-fuss, Bhagi Rice checks every box. From its rich nutritional value to its deeply satisfying flavours, this is a true taste of Trinidad that anyone can master.

Whether you’re a lifelong islander or new to Caribbean cooking, this dish is a beautiful way to connect with culture through food.

Ready for More Trini Favourites?

If you loved this recipe and want to build your confidence in Caribbean cooking, don’t stop here!

Download my FREE eBook “7 Sweet Trini Treats” and get instant access to a collection of irresistible island desserts that are as easy to make as they are to eat. From coconut drops to sugar cake, each recipe is designed to bring a little extra joy and nostalgia to your kitchen.

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Let’s keep cooking, connecting, and celebrating the flavours that make our heritage so delicious.