Bahamian Peas 'n' Rice (Pigeon Peas and Rice)
Local name: Peas 'n' rice
In short: Bahamian peas 'n' rice of pigeon peas, bacon, tomato paste and thyme, cooked in one pot until fluffy and savory. The classic side for fried fish. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 45 min
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 310 kcal
Peas 'n' rice is the Bahamian side dish that goes with fried fish, baked chicken and pretty much everything else. Pigeon peas, bacon or salt pork, onion, celery and bell pepper are cooked with tomato paste and thyme, then rice finishes cooking in the same pot, soaking up all of the flavor. The rice should be fluffy, with each grain separate and a slightly reddish-brown color. Fresh thyme makes a real difference.
Instructions
- Cook the bacon with the oil in a heavy pot over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes, until the fat renders and the pieces are browned.
- Add the onion, bell pepper and celery and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Stir in the garlic and tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes until the paste darkens.
- Add the pigeon peas and thyme and stir for 1 minute. Add the rice and stir to coat every grain.
- Pour in the liquid, add the salt, black pepper and the whole hot pepper if using. Stir once and bring to a boil.
- Cover tightly, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cook for 20 to 25 minutes without lifting the lid, until the liquid is absorbed.
- Rest for 10 minutes, covered. Remove the hot pepper, fluff with a fork and serve.
Tips
- Parboiled rice stays separate and fluffy in this dish. If you use regular long-grain rice, reduce the liquid to 650 ml (2 3/4 cups).
- For a meatless version, skip the bacon and use 2 extra tablespoons of oil and a pinch of smoked paprika.
Questions and answers
What are pigeon peas?
Pigeon peas are small, nutty legumes used across the Caribbean. They are sold canned, frozen or dried. If dried, soak and cook them until tender before adding them.
Is Bahamian peas 'n' rice the same as Jamaican rice and peas?
No. The Bahamian version uses pigeon peas, bacon, tomato paste and thyme, and no coconut milk. Jamaican rice and peas uses kidney beans and coconut milk.
Can I make peas 'n' rice ahead?
Yes. It keeps for 4 days in the fridge and reheats well with a splash of water, covered.
How long does it take to make Bahamian Peas 'n' Rice (Pigeon Peas and Rice)?
About 1 h in total: 15 min of preparation and 45 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Bahamian Peas 'n' Rice (Pigeon Peas and Rice)?
About 310 kcal per serving, with 10 g of protein, 47 g of carbohydrates and 8 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 310 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 47 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
