Savory Caribbean Pigeon Peas and Rice
This Savory Caribbean Pigeon Peas and Rice dish draws inspiration from Heidi Haughy Cusick’s book, Soul and Spice, highlighting the rich culinary traditions of the Caribbean and African diaspora. Featuring earthy pigeon peas, this hearty meal combines flavors from smoked meats and seasoned rice, making it a staple on islands throughout the Caribbean. The dish can be versatile—whether you opt for coconut milk for creaminess or add heat with a habanero pepper, each variation brings its own unique taste. Traditionally served alongside meats, this comforting one-pot meal is perfect for gatherings and casual dinners alike, offering a taste of the islands right from your kitchen. Don't forget to experiment by adding ingredients like tomatoes or changing the type of meat used to suit your palate!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried pigeon peas
2 1/2 cups (rinsed and picked over)
water or coconut milk
8 cups or 6 1/2 cups water and 1 1/2 cups coconut milk (combined with peas)
smoked turkey neck or pigs tails
1 (whole)
yellow onion
1 (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
pickled habanero pepper or red hot pepper sauce
1 pickled or 1 1/2 teaspoons (optional)
long-grain white rice
1 1/2 cups (rinsed and drained)
salt
to taste
ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the dried pigeon peas in a large bowl and covering them with several inches of water. Allow them to soak overnight, then drain and rinse the peas.
2
In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the soaked pigeon peas with either 8 cups of water or a mix of 6 1/2 cups water and 1 1/2 cups coconut milk. Bring this mixture to a boil.
3
Add the smoked turkey neck (or pigs tails), finely chopped onion, 1 minced garlic clove, and the pickled habanero pepper or hot pepper sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-high and simmer uncovered until the peas are tender, which usually takes about 45 minutes.
4
Once the peas are tender, stir in the rinsed and drained long-grain white rice. Lower the heat to medium, cover the pot, and continue cooking for an additional 20-30 minutes until the rice is fully cooked.
5
About 5 minutes before the rice finishes cooking, squeeze the remaining minced garlic clove through a garlic press into the pot, adding depth of flavor.
6
Finally, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and ground black pepper, and incorporate red-hot sauce to your preference. Serve hot and enjoy a delightful taste of the Caribbean!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Caribbean Pigeon Peas and Rice?
It is a hearty one-pot meal inspired by Caribbean and African diaspora traditions, combining earthy pigeon peas with seasoned rice and smoked meats.
What is the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe draws inspiration from Heidi Haughy Cusick’s book, Soul and Spice.
How should I prepare the dried pigeon peas?
The dried pigeon peas should be rinsed, picked over, and soaked overnight in several inches of water before cooking.
Can I use coconut milk in this dish?
Yes, you can use a combination of 6 1/2 cups of water and 1 1/2 cups of coconut milk for a creamier texture.
What types of meat are recommended for this recipe?
The recipe suggests using either a smoked turkey neck or pigs tails for flavor.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish can be adjusted for heat by adding a pickled habanero pepper or 1 1/2 teaspoons of red hot pepper sauce.
What kind of rice is best for Caribbean Pigeon Peas and Rice?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of long-grain white rice, which should be rinsed and drained.
How long do the pigeon peas need to simmer?
The peas should simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes until they are tender.
When do I add the rice to the pot?
The rice is added once the pigeon peas have become tender after their initial simmer.
How long does the rice take to cook?
After adding the rice and covering the pot, it takes an additional 20-30 minutes to cook fully.
How is garlic used in this recipe?
One minced clove is added during the initial simmer, and a second clove is pressed into the pot 5 minutes before the rice is done.
Can I make a vegan version of this dish?
Yes, the recipe includes a vegan option tag; you can omit the smoked meats and use coconut milk for richness.
What should I do with the onion?
One yellow onion should be finely chopped and added to the pot with the peas and meat.
Should the pot be covered during the whole process?
No, the peas simmer uncovered for 45 minutes, but the pot is covered once the rice is added.
What other ingredients can I add for variety?
The description suggests experimenting with added tomatoes or different types of meat to suit your palate.
What are the main seasonings used?
The dish is seasoned with salt, ground black pepper, and red-hot sauce to preference.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is considered a comforting one-pot meal that is perfect for gatherings.
What is the total amount of liquid needed?
You need 8 cups of liquid in total, either entirely water or a mix of water and coconut milk.
How do I serve this dish?
It should be served hot, traditionally alongside other meats.
What is the texture of pigeon peas?
Pigeon peas are described as having an earthy flavor and contribute to a hearty meal texture.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 cloves of garlic.
What type of pepper is used for heat?
You can use a pickled habanero pepper or a red hot pepper sauce.
Do I need to rinse the rice?
Yes, the long-grain white rice should be rinsed and drained before being added to the pot.
Can this be served as a side dish?
Yes, while it is a hearty meal on its own, it is traditionally served alongside meats.
Is this recipe suitable for low cholesterol diets?
The recipe is tagged as 'low cholesterol', making it suitable for those monitoring their cholesterol intake.
How much dried pigeon peas do I need?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of dried pigeon peas.
What heat level should I use to cook the peas?
Bring the mixture to a boil first, then reduce to medium-high for the simmering stage.
What heat level should I use to cook the rice?
Lower the heat to medium once the rice is added to the pot.
How much hot sauce should I add?
If using as an alternative to habanero, use 1 1/2 teaspoons, or add extra red-hot sauce at the end to your preference.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red-hot sauce.