Trinidad Pelau Chicken and Pigeon Peas
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons green seasoning
- 2 teaspoons grated garlic
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, or canola oil
- 3 tablespoons cane sugar, or brown sugar
- 2 cups parboiled rice, washed and drained
- 3/4 cup coarsely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper
- 2 cups canned pigeon peas
- 1 cup diced carrots, optional
- 2 cups fresh coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken stock, or water
- 1 whole Scotch bonnet pepper
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions, white and green parts
Instructions
- 1
Gather the ingredients.
- 2
In a large bowl, place the chicken, green seasoning, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and ketchup, along with salt and pepper to taste.
- 3
Toss to mix and coat the chicken with the seasonings. Set aside and let marinate for at least 1 hour.
60 min - 4
Pour the oil into a large pot and place over medium-high heat. Let it heat until hot but not smoking.
- 5
Make the burnt sugar by sprinkling the cane sugar into the hot oil in an even layer.
- 6
Let the sugar melt until it starts to froth and bubble.
- 7
As soon as the edges of the froth/bubbles start to turn a slight shade darker, immediately add the seasoned chicken. Stir to mix and coat with the burnt sugar.
- 8
Let cook for 7 to 10 minutes.
7 min - 9
Add the rice and peas to the pot, stir to mix. Cook for 3 minutes.
3 min - 10
Add the onion, red bell pepper, pigeon peas, and carrots (if using) and cook for 1 minute.
1 min - 11
Pour in the coconut milk and the chicken stock or water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 12
Toss in the whole Scotch bonnet pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and cover the pot.
- 13
Once it reaches a boil, partially remove the lid and continue to boil for an additional 7 to 8 minutes.
7 min - 14
Cover the pot fully, reduce the heat to low, and let cook for 25 to 30 minutes or until all the liquid has been absorbed.
25 min - 15
Sprinkle the green onions on top and fold into the pelau. Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper if necessary.
- 16
Serve hot or at room temperature and enjoy.
Nutrition
Per serving (based on 6 servings)



