Savory Brown Rice and Pigeon Peas Medley
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Savory Brown Rice and Pigeon Peas Medley, a wholesome dish that seamlessly blends taste and nutrition. This heartwarming recipe draws inspiration from traditional Caribbean cuisine and incorporates healthy brown rice for a nutty flavor and fiber boost. With nutrient-dense pigeon peas, smoked bacon, and aromatic spices, this dish provides a satisfying and well-rounded meal. Perfect for meal prep, it tastes even better the next day, making it a go-to recipe for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. Serve this vibrant dish as a main or as a side, and elevate your dining experience with a touch of cultural flair. This easy-to-follow recipe encourages you to explore whole grains in a delicious way that the whole family will enjoy.
8
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 tablespoon (none)
smoked bacon
2 slices (diced)
onion
1/2 cup (diced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
pigeon peas
1 (15 ounce) can (drained and rinsed)
Goya sazon with coriander and annatto
1 packet (none)
tomato sauce
1/2 cup (none)
water
3 cups (none)
long grain brown rice
2 cups (rinsed)
Instructions
1
In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the diced bacon and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the bacon starts to render its fat and the onion is translucent.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the garlic to become fragrant.
4
Next, add the canned pigeon peas (with their liquid), the Goya sazon packet, tomato sauce, and water. Stir well to combine.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then carefully stir in the brown rice.
6
Once added, cover the skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for approximately 40-45 minutes or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. For white rice, adjust the cooking time accordingly to about 25-30 minutes.
7
After the cooking time, remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before fluffing the rice with a fork. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
30g
Carbs
5.6g
Protein
1.9g
Fiber
0.5g
Sugar
150mg
Sodium
3.8mg
Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Brown Rice and Pigeon Peas Medley?
It is a wholesome dish inspired by Caribbean cuisine that blends brown rice, pigeon peas, smoked bacon, and aromatic spices for a nutritious meal.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How long does it take to cook the brown rice in this recipe?
The brown rice should simmer for approximately 40-45 minutes until it is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, you can use white rice, but you should adjust the cooking time to about 25-30 minutes.
What ingredients do I need for this dish?
You will need olive oil, smoked bacon, onion, garlic cloves, pigeon peas, Goya sazon with coriander and annatto, tomato sauce, water, and long grain brown rice.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep and often tastes even better the next day.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 5.6g of protein.
How much fiber is in this recipe?
There is 1.9g of fiber per serving.
How much sodium is in the Savory Brown Rice and Pigeon Peas Medley?
There is 150mg of sodium per serving.
What type of pigeon peas should I use?
The recipe calls for one 15-ounce can of pigeon peas.
Should I drain the pigeon peas?
The instructions recommend adding the canned pigeon peas with their liquid for added flavor.
How much water is required?
You will need 3 cups of water for this recipe.
What kind of bacon is used?
The recipe uses 2 slices of diced smoked bacon.
How do I prepare the garlic?
You should use 2 cloves of garlic and mince them before sautéing.
What is Goya sazon with coriander and annatto?
It is a spice packet used to add traditional Caribbean flavor and color to the rice.
What type of rice is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends 2 cups of rinsed long grain brown rice.
How much fat is in this dish?
The specific fat content is not listed, but it contains 3.8mg of cholesterol per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the bacon and use a vegetarian-friendly seasoning to make it vegetarian.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
How long should I sauté the bacon and onion?
Cook them for about 3 minutes or until the bacon renders its fat and the onion is translucent.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
Yes, there is a very small amount, about 0.5g of sugar per serving.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be diced, measuring approximately 1/2 cup.
Should I fluff the rice after cooking?
Yes, after letting the rice rest for a few minutes, you should fluff it with a fork before serving.
Can I serve this as a main dish?
Absolutely, this vibrant dish can be served as a satisfying main course or as a side dish.
Is the rice rinsed before cooking?
Yes, the long grain brown rice should be rinsed before being added to the skillet.
How much tomato sauce is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of tomato sauce.
What makes the rice 'savory'?
The combination of smoked bacon, garlic, onion, and Goya sazon creates a deep, savory flavor profile.
Does this recipe include whole grains?
Yes, it uses brown rice, which is a whole grain that provides a nutty flavor and fiber boost.