Peas and Rice

Peas and Rice Recipe from Bahamas - Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: Bahamas, The Bahamas | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 35 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Peas and Rice is a delicious and hearty dish that is popular in many Caribbean countries. This dish is a flavorful combination of rice, pigeon peas, and a variety of seasonings that come together to create a satisfying meal.

History

Peas and Rice has its origins in the Caribbean, where it is a staple dish in many households. The combination of rice and peas has been a traditional dish in the region for centuries, with each country putting its own unique spin on the recipe.

Ingredients

0.25 lb (113 g) of chopped salt pork
1 tbsp of vegetable oil
1 chopped onion
0.5 cup of chopped green bell pepper
1 stalk of chopped celery
2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
2 tbsp of tomato paste
2 tsp of thyme
2 cayenne chiles, stems and seeds removed (or substitute 1 habanero pepper)
2 cups of rice
0.5 cup of pigeon peas
1 qt (946 ml) of chicken broth
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to prepare

In a pan, fry the salt pork to extract the fat. Then, add the oil, onion, bell pepper, and celery and sauté until they become soft.
Next, stir in the tomato paste, thyme, and chile and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
After that, add the rice, peas, and broth to the mixture. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer until the rice becomes tender and absorbs all the liquid. This should take approximately 35 minutes.

Variations

Add cooked shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Use different types of beans or peas for a unique twist on the dish.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to fry the salt pork first to extract the fat, as this will add a rich flavor to the dish.

- Sautéing the onion, bell pepper, and celery until they are soft will help to develop the flavors of the dish.

- Letting the mixture simmer for 15 minutes after adding the tomato paste, thyme, and chile will allow the flavors to meld together.

- Make sure to cover the pan and let the rice simmer until it is tender and has absorbed all the liquid for the best results.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Peas and Rice as a main dish with a side of fried plantains or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking techniques for this recipe include frying, sautéing, simmering, and steaming the rice until it is tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have salt pork, you can use bacon or ham as a substitute. You can also use canned peas if you can't find pigeon peas.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Peas and Rice ahead of time and reheat it before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Peas and Rice in a large serving bowl garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a colorful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Peas and Rice pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. It also goes well with a side of coleslaw or fried plantains.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Peas and Rice contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Peas and Rice is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the rice and peas providing a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

The salt pork in this recipe adds a small amount of fat to the dish, which helps to enhance the flavor and texture.

Proteins

Pigeon peas are a good source of plant-based protein, making this dish a satisfying and filling meal.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly from the vegetables and herbs used in the recipe.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork and may not be suitable for those with pork allergies.

Summary

Peas and Rice is a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Peas and Rice is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its flavorful combination of rice, pigeon peas, and seasonings, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Peas and Rice. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in the countryside. Martha was an excellent cook, and she always had the most delicious dishes on hand. On that particular day, she invited me into her kitchen to show me how to make one of her signature dishes - Peas and Rice.

As Martha began to gather the ingredients, I noticed that she had a very special technique for cooking the rice. She explained that the key to making the perfect Peas and Rice was to sauté the rice in butter before adding the liquid. This step, she said, would give the rice a nutty flavor and prevent it from becoming mushy.

I watched intently as Martha added the rice to a hot skillet with melted butter. The aroma of the toasting grains filled the air, and I could already tell that this dish was going to be something special. After a few minutes, she added some diced onions and garlic to the pan, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. The sizzling sound of the onions hitting the hot skillet was music to my ears.

Next, Martha poured in some chicken broth and brought the mixture to a simmer. She then added a generous helping of frozen peas and gently stirred everything together. The vibrant green color of the peas against the fluffy white rice was a sight to behold.

As the Peas and Rice cooked, Martha shared with me the story behind the recipe. She explained that she had learned how to make this dish from her own grandmother, who had passed it down through the generations. Martha had made a few tweaks to the original recipe over the years, adding her own personal touch to make it uniquely hers.

I could see the passion and love that Martha poured into her cooking, and it inspired me to do the same. She taught me that cooking was not just about following a recipe, but about putting your heart and soul into every dish you create. I knew that I had to learn how to make Peas and Rice for myself so that I could share this delicious dish with my own family and friends.

After the Peas and Rice had cooked to perfection, Martha plated it up and garnished it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The aroma that wafted up from the dish was absolutely mouthwatering, and I couldn't wait to dig in. As I took my first bite, I was transported to a place of comfort and warmth. The flavors of the buttery rice, sweet peas, and savory onions melded together perfectly on my palate.

From that day on, Peas and Rice became a staple in my own cooking repertoire. I would make it for special occasions, family gatherings, or just as a comforting weeknight meal. Every time I prepared this dish, I would think back to that summer day in Martha's kitchen and the magical moment when I discovered the recipe for Peas and Rice.

As the years went by, I continued to hone my skills in the kitchen and experiment with different variations of the recipe. I added in some diced carrots for extra color and sweetness, or swapped out the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian option. No matter how I tweaked the recipe, the essence of Martha's Peas and Rice always remained at the core.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will embrace it with the same love and passion that I have. Cooking is not just about following a set of instructions - it's about creating something from the heart and sharing it with those you love. So, take this recipe for Peas and Rice and make it your own. Add in your own special touch, create new memories around the dinner table, and cherish the moments spent together with family and friends.

And remember, the secret ingredient in any dish is always love. May your Peas and Rice be filled with an abundance of it, just as Martha's was for me all those years ago. Enjoy!