pigeon peas recipe
This recipe is a fantastic way to explore the delicious world of pigeon peas. So grab your favorite Caribbean tunes, whip up a pot of this flavorful dish, and enjoy a taste of the islands right in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil or coconut oil
- ½ medium onion chopped
- 2 green onions chopped (white and green parts)
- ½ bell pepper red, yellow, or orange, chopped (optional)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper optional, for heat
- 1 cup basmati rice rinsed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pigeon peas rinsed and drained
- 1 cup chopped fresh corn kernels optional
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
- 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Creole seasoning or all-purpose seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1-2 tsp molasses or brown sugar optional, for deeper flavor
- Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or coconut oil over medium heat.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the onion, green onions, bell pepper (if using), and thyme. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the onions become translucent.
- Spice it up!: Add the garlic, smoked paprika, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using). Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to release the fragrance of the spices.
- Rice time!: Stir in the rinsed basmati rice and cook for 1 minute, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
- Welcome the peas!: Add the pigeon peas, corn (if using), coconut milk, water or broth, Creole seasoning, and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the pigeon peas are tender.
- Finishing touches: For a richer flavor, stir in the molasses or brown sugar (optional) in the last few minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasonings with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
- Serve and savor: Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro (optional) before serving. Enjoy your delicious and flavorful Caribbean-style pigeon peas and rice!