Peas and rice is a dish that is eaten throughout the Caribbean. Pigeon peas are related to the tender green sweet peas but are much higher in protein and vitamins, making this a very nutritious dish.

You will need the following ingredients:

2 cups 11oz/345g fresh/frozen pigeon peas
6 cups 48floz/1.45l water
Bouquet garni of fresh thyme, marjoram and chives
1/4lb/125g salt beef or salt pork
1 tablespoon butter
2 cups 8floz/250ml rice
1 large tomato, blanched, peeled and chopped up
1 tablespoon lime juice
Red pepper sauce to taste

Using Fresh Pigeon Peas

Cover and boil the peas, herbs and salt beef in four cups of water for about 1/2 hour. If you are not using salt meat, add salt to taste. 

Wash the rice and drain. Add the rice, 2 more cups of water, butter, tomato and lime juice.  

Bring to the boil, cover and cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. 

Reduce heat to low and let it simmer until all the water is steamed out (20-25 minutes).

Using Dried Pigeon Peas

If using dried pigeon peas, use 1 cup to peas and increase the water to 7 cups and cook the dried peas very rapidly for about 10-15 minutes and then reduce to simmer for about 40 minutes or until tender. 

Proceed with the recipe as above.

Submit a Review or Comment

Visitor Comments:

By: Angie
GGREAT RECIPE YUMMY FAMILY LOVE IT!!! GREAT WITH BBQ's!!! TRY IT YUM!!!
Date: Sep 24, 2007