Pea Pilau Recipes

Steps:

• If using dried peas, soak them overnight in 3 cups of water. Drain. Bring 3 fresh cups of water to a boil in a saucepan and add the peas. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until cooked almost completely through. Drain and set aside. If using canned beans, drain, rinse with cold water, drain again, and set aside. Wash the rice by placing it in a colander or fine-mesh sieve and running cold water over it until the water runs clear, about 1 minute. Drain well and set aside.
• Heat the oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven or other heavy, deep pot. Add the sugar and swirl in the pot, stirring constantly; allow it to caramelize to a dark brown color. Add the chicken and stir well to coat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Stir in 2 cups of water, the coconut milk, bay leaf, Green Seasoning, parsley, thyme, carrots, and scallions. Season with salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Stir the rice, squash, peas, hot pepper, ketchup, and butter into the chicken. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the peas and vegetables are tender. Remove lid and fluff the rice. The rice should be moist but not sticky. Remove bay leaf, thyme sprig, and hot pepper.
• Note: Pigeon peas are traditional in this dish, but pinto beans or black-eyes peas also work well because, like pigeon peas, they hold their shape well after cooking. Brown sugar is preferable for deeper flavor and color. Chicken is the most common meat in pelau, but cuts of stew beef or lamb work just as well. If using meat, up the cooking time before adding the rice to 40 minutes to allow the meat to get tender. In Tobago, pelau is often made with crab. West Indian pumpkin (also called calabaza) is ideal for this recipe, although the pie or "cheese" pumpkin common in the U.S., if in season, makes a very good substitute. Butternut squash will also work, although it will be slightly less sweet.

Steps:

• Wash the rice, then soak in enough cold water to cover for 15 mins. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large pan with a lid, add the cumin seeds and cloves, then fry until fragrant. Stir in the onions, then reduce the heat and cook with the lid on for 10 mins, stirring occasionally or until soft. Add the chillies and bay leaves, then increase the heat and fry until the onions are golden.
• Drain the rice, then add it to the onions and spices, stirring to coat the grains with oil. Cover the rice with stock and bring to a simmer. Scatter the frozen peas on top, put the lid on, then cook on a very low heat for 12-15 mins - don't be tempted to remove the lid.
• Turn the heat off and leave, with the lid on, for another 5 mins. Lightly fluff up the rice with a fork before serving.

Steps:

• Prepare pilaf according to package directions., In a large skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Add peas and mushrooms; cook and stir until tender, 6-8 minutes. Stir in rice.

Steps:

• Thoroughly rinse the rice in a bowl or sieve with several changes of water until the water runs clear. Drain well. Heat a large pan on the stove, tip in the spices, then dry-fry for about 1 min until they are toasted (not burnt) and beginning to release their aromas. Tip the rice into the pan, stir well over the heat, then pour in 4 mugs of water and add 1 tsp salt.
• Bring to the boil, then cover and simmer for 8 mins until the rice is almost tender and the water has been absorbed. Stir in the spinach and peas, then cover and leave for 2 mins so the peas defrost and the spinach just wilts.