Pelau Chicken

Pelau Chicken Recipe from Trinidad and Tobago

Region / culture: Trinidad and Tobago | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Pelau Chicken is a popular dish in Trinidad and Tobago, known for its flavorful combination of chicken, rice, vegetables, and spices. This one-pot meal is perfect for feeding a crowd or for a cozy family dinner.

History

Pelau Chicken has its roots in Trinidad and Tobago, where it is a staple dish in many households. It is believed to have originated from the African slaves who brought their cooking techniques and flavors to the Caribbean. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include local ingredients and spices, creating a unique and delicious dish.

Ingredients

2-3 lb (1.36 kg) chicken (breasts or thighs)
2 limes
2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
3 cloves garlic, crushed
4 tbsp worcestershire sauce
3 tbsp oil
4 tbsp brown sugar
2 cup hot water
2 cup coconut milk
1 can pigeon peas (or green peas)
2 cup carrots
4 tbsp raisins
2 cup rice (NOT INSTANT!)
1 hot pepper (optional)

How to prepare

Rinse the chicken and rub it with lime.
In a large bowl, add salt, black pepper, garlic, half of the brown sugar, and half of the Worcestershire sauce to the chicken. Set it aside to marinate for better flavor.
Heat oil in a large deep pot. Once hot, sprinkle in the remaining brown sugar. When the sugar begins to bubble, add the chicken and coat it well until it is nicely browned.
Add carrots, rice, hot pepper, water, and coconut milk to the pot. Mix well. Cover tightly and cook on very low heat for 30-45 minutes, or until the rice is almost fully cooked. Do not stir while cooking.
Add pigeon peas and raisins. Continue cooking on low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked. Add additional Worcestershire sauce to taste.

Variations

Substitute chicken with beef or pork for a different flavor.
Add bell peppers, corn, or okra for extra vegetables.
Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.

- Do not stir the rice while it is cooking to avoid breaking the grains.

- Adjust the amount of hot pepper to suit your spice preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Pelau Chicken with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It can also be paired with fried plantains or avocado slices for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious Pelau Chicken is to cook it on low heat and allow the flavors to meld together slowly. This will ensure that the rice is perfectly cooked and the chicken is tender and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or coconut aminos as a substitute. You can also use frozen peas instead of canned peas.

Make Ahead Tips

Pelau Chicken can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Pelau Chicken with fresh cilantro or parsley before serving for a pop of color. You can also serve it in individual bowls topped with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.

Pairing Recommendations

Pelau Chicken pairs well with a cold beer or a fruity sangria. For a non-alcoholic option, serve it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover Pelau Chicken in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pelau Chicken contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pelau Chicken contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Pelau Chicken contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Pelau Chicken contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Pelau Chicken is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Pelau Chicken contains gluten from the Worcestershire sauce. It may also contain soy and fish allergens.

Summary

Pelau Chicken is a balanced meal that provides carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It is a hearty and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as a main course.

Summary

Pelau Chicken is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. With its combination of chicken, rice, vegetables, and spices, it is sure to be a hit at any meal. Enjoy this taste of Trinidad and Tobago in your own home!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Pelau Chicken. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small village of San Fernando in Trinidad. My grandmother, whom we affectionately called Mama Lila, was the one who introduced me to the wonderful world of cooking.

Mama Lila was a remarkable woman, full of life and energy. She had a passion for cooking and was always experimenting with new recipes and flavors. One day, as I watched her in the kitchen preparing a meal for our family, she handed me a tattered old cookbook and told me to take a look at the recipe for Pelau Chicken.

I was intrigued by the name and eager to learn more about this dish. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my excitement growing. Pelau Chicken was a traditional Caribbean dish, a flavorful mix of chicken, rice, pigeon peas, and spices, all cooked together in a delicious stew. It sounded like a dish that would be perfect for a family gathering or a special occasion.

Mama Lila noticed my enthusiasm and smiled at me, knowing that I was eager to try my hand at making Pelau Chicken. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations in our family and was a favorite among our relatives and friends. She explained that the key to making a good Pelau Chicken was in the preparation and the timing of each step.

I watched as Mama Lila carefully seasoned the chicken pieces with a blend of spices and browned them in a hot skillet. The aroma of the spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. She then added the pigeon peas, rice, and coconut milk to the pot, stirring everything together with a wooden spoon.

As the Pelau Chicken simmered on the stove, Mama Lila shared stories with me about her own experiences learning to cook. She told me about the time she had traveled to different villages in Trinidad, learning new recipes from the local people she met along the way. She spoke of the joy she felt when she mastered a new dish and the satisfaction of seeing her family and friends enjoy her cooking.

I listened intently to Mama Lila's stories, absorbing every detail and savoring the memories she shared with me. She had a way of making even the simplest of dishes sound like a culinary masterpiece, and I knew that I wanted to follow in her footsteps and create my own culinary legacy.

After a few hours of simmering, the Pelau Chicken was finally ready. Mama Lila ladled the fragrant stew into bowls and garnished each serving with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime juice. The colors and flavors of the dish were a feast for the senses, and I couldn't wait to dig in and taste the fruits of my labor.

As I took my first bite of the Pelau Chicken, I was transported to a world of bold flavors and rich textures. The tender chicken, the creamy coconut milk, and the earthy pigeon peas all melded together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was truly unforgettable.

Mama Lila looked at me with pride in her eyes, knowing that I had successfully mastered the recipe for Pelau Chicken. She commended me on my cooking skills and encouraged me to continue experimenting with new recipes and flavors.

And so, with Mama Lila's guidance and inspiration, I continued to hone my culinary skills and expand my repertoire of recipes. Each dish I learned to make held a special place in my heart, but Pelau Chicken would always be a reminder of the love and passion Mama Lila had instilled in me for the art of cooking.

To this day, whenever I make Pelau Chicken for my own family and friends, I am transported back to that moment in Mama Lila's kitchen, where my love for cooking was first ignited. And as I watch my loved ones savoring every bite of the delicious dish, I am grateful for the gift of cooking that Mama Lila passed down to me, a legacy that will live on for generations to come.