St. Kitts Stewed Pigeon Peas
A hearty and flavorful stew made with dried pigeon peas, often enriched with salted meat or smoked turkey for depth, and seasoned with local herbs and spices. It's a comforting staple, especially popular during festive seasons.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Dried Pigeon Peas(soaked overnight and drained)
- 6 cups Water(or more as needed)
- 1/2 lb Salted Pork or Smoked Turkey Wing(rinsed and cut into pieces)
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 2 sprigs Thyme
- 2 stalks Scallions(chopped)
- 1/2 medium Bell Pepper(chopped (any color))
- 1 medium Tomato(chopped)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Rinse the soaked pigeon peas thoroughly.
💡 Tip: Ensure all soaking water is discarded. - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the salted pork or smoked turkey and brown slightly.
- 3
Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme sprigs, chopped scallions, and bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until the onion is softened and fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the chopped tomato and cook for another 2-3 minutes until it begins to break down.
- 5
Add the drained pigeon peas and the 6 cups of water to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer.
💡 Tip: Ensure the meat is submerged in the liquid. - 6
Simmer for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the stew has thickened. Stir occasionally and add more water if it becomes too dry.
💡 Tip: The stew should have a thick, gravy-like consistency. - 7
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove thyme sprigs before serving.
💡 Tip: Be mindful of salt, as the salted pork will add its own salinity.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a vegetarian version, omit the salted meat and use vegetable broth.
- ✓If pigeon peas are unavailable, black-eyed peas can be substituted, though the cooking time may vary.
- ✓A dash of hot sauce can be added for a spicy kick.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced carrots or sweet potatoes for extra vegetables.
- Incorporate a bay leaf during simmering for added aroma.