Trinidad Pelau
A flavorful one-pot rice dish cooked with meat (often chicken or beef), vegetables, and a rich, caramelized sauce. It's a staple at family gatherings and celebrations.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Chicken pieces(bone-in, skin-on, cut into serving pieces)
- 2 cups Rice(long-grain, rinsed)
- 1/2 cup Brown sugar
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper(slit, seeds removed for less heat)
- 1 medium Carrot(diced)
- 1/2 cup Green peas(fresh or frozen)
- 2 sprigs Thyme
- 2 chopped Pimento peppers (optional)
- 3 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
💡 Tip: Allow chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes. - 2
In a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt the brown sugar over medium heat until it turns a deep amber color (caramel). Be careful not to burn it.
💡 Tip: Swirl the pot gently; do not stir vigorously. - 3
Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces to the caramel. Sear on all sides until browned.
- 4
Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and pimento peppers (if using) to the pot. Sauté until softened.
- 5
Add the rinsed rice, thyme sprigs, and the whole scotch bonnet pepper. Stir to combine with the chicken and aromatics.
💡 Tip: Do not break the scotch bonnet pepper if you want mild heat. - 6
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
💡 Tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking. - 7
Stir in the diced carrots and green peas during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- 8
Once cooked, let the pelau rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The caramelization of the sugar is key to the flavor and color of pelau.
- ✓Adjust the scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference.
- ✓Ensure the pot is well-covered to trap steam for cooking the rice.
- ✓Pelau is often served with a side of coleslaw or a fresh salad.
🔄 Variations
- Beef pelau can be made by substituting beef chunks for chicken.
- Add other vegetables like corn or bell peppers.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth.