Bahamian Peas and Rice
A quintessential Bahamian side dish, Peas and Rice is a flavorful and hearty preparation of long-grain rice cooked with pigeon peas, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. It's a staple served with most main courses.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 cup Pigeon peas(dried, soaked overnight or canned and drained)
- 2 cups Long grain white rice(rinsed until water runs clear)
- 4 strips Bacon(chopped)
- 1 medium Yellow onion(chopped)
- 0.5 medium Green bell pepper(chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 5 sprigs Fresh thyme(leaves stripped)
- 4 cups Water
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(freshly ground, to taste)
- 1 tsp Optional: Browning sauce (for color)
- 0.25 medium Optional: Habanero pepper(pierced with a knife (for heat))
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using dried pigeon peas, boil them in water until tender (about 30-40 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking liquid. If using canned peas, drain and rinse them.
- 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- 3
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the bacon fat. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the tomato paste, thyme leaves, salt, pepper, and optional browning sauce and habanero pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
- 5
Add the cooked pigeon peas (or canned), the reserved pea liquid (if using dried peas), and the 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
- 6
Stir in the rinsed rice and the crumbled bacon. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- 7
Turn off the heat and let the rice steam, covered, for another 10-15 minutes. Fluff with a fork before serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Rinsing the rice is crucial to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming sticky.
- ✓The browning sauce is optional but adds a traditional deep color to the dish.
- ✓Adjust the amount of habanero pepper to your spice preference, or omit it entirely.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes include chopped tomatoes or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Salt beef or salt pork can be used instead of bacon.