Red Rice & Beans + Epis Roasted Chicken

Our timeless red beans and rice dish offers comfort and nourishment. Prepared to our traditional Haitian recipe, it provides a complete protein enhanced by a classic blend of spices for a hearty flavor the whole family will love. Our journey with PAPA’s Rice began with a simple yet cherished dish: red beans and rice. While Papa is known for his mastery of several rice dishes, this particular recipe holds a special place in our hearts. It became our son/nephew’s favorite from the tender age of three, when he was first introduced to it by Papa. It was a quiet Sunday afternoon, and the whole family had gathered at Papa’s house for dinner. The aroma of simmering beans, spices, and perfectly cooked rice filled the kitchen, drawing everyone in. Our little one sat at the table with wide eyes, curious and excited.

As Papa served the first spoonful of red beans and rice, you could see the wonder in our son/nephew’s eyes. He took his first bite, and his face lit up with delight. From that moment on, it was clear that this dish was more than just a meal; it was a favorite comfort food that resonated deeply with him. The love for red beans and rice was so strong that he refused to eat any other rice unless it was Papa’s. His unwavering, “exclusive” preference became a running joke in the family, but it was also a testament to the power of Papa’s cooking and the bond it created within our family.

This simple yet flavorful dish was the impetus for creating PAPA’s Rice. We wanted to share this beloved recipe with others, allowing more people to experience the joy and comfort it brought to our family while preserving the rich culinary heritage that made red beans and rice our family’s favorite.

---

Photo: Rosanna Anil

RECIPE

Measurements:

1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)

2 tablespoons epis seasoning

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Lime wedges for serving

Epis Seasoning:

1 bunch parsley

1 green bell pepper

1 red bell pepper

4 scallions

8 cloves garlic

White vinegar (to taste & consistency)

Neutral oil (to taste & consistency)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the epis seasoning by combining all the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender or processor a few times to ensure everything is well combined.

3. Rinse the whole chicken inside and out, then pat it dry with paper towels.

4. Rub the chicken inside and out with the epis seasoning, making sure to coat it evenly. You can also gently lift the skin of the chicken and rub some of the seasoning underneath for extra flavor.

5. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it all over the skin. Season the chicken generously with salt and pepper.

6. Place the seasoned chicken on a roasting rack set in a roasting pan, breast side up.

7. Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear when pierced with a knife. If the skin starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil.

8. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.

9. Serve the epis roasted chicken hot, garnished with lime wedges for squeezing over the chicken.