Bahamian Peas 'n' Rice
A staple Bahamian side dish, Peas 'n' Rice is a flavorful and aromatic rice pilaf made with pigeon peas, vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. It's often cooked with a 'browning' or caramelized sugar for its signature dark color and deep flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Pigeon peas(soaked overnight or canned, drained and rinsed)
- 4 strips Bacon(chopped)
- 0.5 medium White onion(diced)
- 0.5 medium Green bell pepper(diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves(smashed or minced)
- 8 sprigs Fresh thyme sprigs
- 1 tablespoon Oil
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar(for browning)
- 2 tablespoons Ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Tomato paste
- 2 cups Rice(long-grain white rice, rinsed)
- 2 cubes Chicken bouillon cubes
- 4 cups Water(or more, as needed)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper(to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using dried pigeon peas, boil them in about 4 cups of water with the smashed garlic and thyme sprigs for 35-45 minutes, or until tender but not mushy. Drain, reserving the cooking liquid. If using canned peas, drain and rinse them.
- 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the granulated sugar and cook, stirring, until it caramelizes to a deep amber color. Be careful not to burn it.
- 3
Add the chopped bacon to the pot and cook until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
- 4
Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 5
Stir in the ketchup and tomato paste, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- 6
Add the cooked pigeon peas (and their reserved liquid if using dried peas), chicken bouillon cubes, and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
- 7
Stir in the rinsed rice, salt, and pepper. Bring back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Avoid stirring during this time.
- 8
Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for another 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to fully steam.
- 9
Fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the reserved crispy bacon, and serve hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The 'browning' (caramelized sugar) is crucial for the authentic dark color and flavor of Bahamian Peas 'n' Rice.
- ✓Rinsing the rice thoroughly helps to remove excess starch, preventing the rice from becoming sticky.
- ✓Pigeon peas are traditional, but other types of peas or beans can be substituted if unavailable.
🔄 Variations
- Some recipes include diced ham or corned beef for added flavor.
- A splash of Worcestershire sauce can be added for extra depth.