Bahamian Peas and Rice can be seen as a dish that owns the true essence of the Bahamas. This side dish is well-known among the natives and is eaten on a usual basis. Pigeon peas are basically in the shape of beans; hence with this dish, you are consuming rice and beans. You get the chance to simultaneously achieve the health benefits of beans and rice.

Many countries from the Caribbean enjoy rice dishes which are consumed daily. Although, as in Jamaica, the most famous dish is “rice and peas,” it can strike a similarity between both. However, this dish may have a similar striking name. Still, we can assure you that the taste differs from all the other dishes from Caribbean countries or any other corner of the world.

Main Ingredients of the recipe

Brown Rice

Rice is the main ingredient in this dish. Of course, you can also use Jasmine rice, but brown rice would be a great combination with your pigeon peas.

You can use any rice, white long-grain rice, as well as brown rice.

However, brown rice is favored among health-conscious people as it contains more fiber.

Onion

Take a small onion to give a brown color to the rice. Fry the onion with the sweet pepper to give a sweet and delicious taste on medium heat.

Sweet pepper

You will need to take an adequate amount of sweet pepper or green pepper and then fry it with the onions to get a brown and chewy texture.

Tomato paste

You can buy a can of tomato paste from the market or make your own. For this, you need to boil the tomatoes, blend them, and make a paste. Tomatoes add a tangy and sour taste to the rice, which tastes delicious.

Sea Salt

Salt is the most important ingredient in this dish, as it enhances the taste of this rice and peas dish. You can use any salt, but the better option is to choose sea salt.

Thyme leaves

You should add thyme leaves to the dish to enhance the flavor of this rice dish. Thyme adds an enhancing flavor to your dish without an overpowering taste.

Pigeon peas

Pigeon peas are popular in the areas of the Caribbean, where many dishes are made while using these beans. These pigeon peas have a nutty taste to them. Some people define these beans as “nutty” or even “minty” These dishes taste more like soft beans and often have less flavor.

Olive oil

It’s better to cook this recipe in olive oil because it enhances any dish’s taste and adds flavor and depth to the rice and beans.

Braggs liquid amino

Vegan people cannot add soy sauce because of their vegan diet. Bragg Liquid aminos are used instead of soy sauce as a seasoning to stir-fry your vegetables. It adds savory flavor to any dish.

How to store this Bahamian rice dish?

Cooked rice is mainly moist; therefore, it can catch bacteria if left at room temperature. To store this rice dish, ensure the rice and peas have properly cooled down by spreading the rice and cooling it down.

Next, choose an airtight container or a ziplock bag to store the Bahamian rice dish. After adding the cooked and cooled rice to the airtight container or the ziplock bag (make sure all the air is removed), put it in the refrigerator for storage purposes.

How Bahamian “peas n’ rice” is different from other “rice and peas” recipes?

Although this “peas n rice” recipe is delicious, there are many alternatives. Rice can be cooked with beans in multiple ways, which can be found in various areas of the Caribbean. Although all recipes have the same two ingredients, “rice” and “peas,” the recipes differ in taste and the overall procedure. Bahamian Rice and peas differ from their Caribbean counterparts, containing pigeon peas. In contrast, the others are made with other legumes like black-eyed peas or kidney beans.

Bahamian peas and rice are darker because of using a brown sauce or tomato paste. Additionally, this dish is lighter and savory than its rice and peas Caribbean counterparts.

What are the health benefits of pigeon peas?

Pigeon peas have many health benefits because of being high in potassium and fiber. They are also known to keep your cholesterol at bay and as a source of folate. They also improve energy, manage blood pressure, and help in weight loss while also helping in digestion. It can also help fight your immune system by making it more robust. It can also eliminate inflammation or pain while increasing the strength of the body.

What makes you fall in love with this recipe?

This recipe is a perfect combination of food items cooked and devoured in the Bahamas and can be seen as a regular side dish with many other dishes. The tastiest dish with brown sauce and tomatoes mixed with rice and beans can be seen as a savory side dish or a main dish. Along with having a great taste, this recipe is full of nutrients. It’s tasty and healthy, making it the best option for a vegan diet. If you are a vegan, you can have this side dish with your meal or take it as a proper meal because it has vegan ingredients and tasteful flavors.

You can use it as a main meal or side dish.

You can use this side dish as a main meal and side dish. Moreover, you can eat it with or without anything as it tastes delicious.

You got a chance to try a new legume, pigeon peas.

As there are many legumes, people try the most famous kidney beans used in various dishes. However, they need to be aware of these tasty and savory peas, which can be cooked in various scrumptious dishes.

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