Bahamian Style Peas and Rice

Peas and rice, often served under a tropical sun. You may have had it last while sitting on soft white sand, and looking at a clear blue sea. Goes excellently with other traditional Caribbean fare, such as chicken curry or souse.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Cooking Time: 1 hr 10 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 548 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ cup butter
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 stalk celery, diced
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 sprig fresh thyme, chopped
• ½ (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 ⅔ cups water
• 2 ounces sliced bacon, diced
• 1 (15 ounce) can pigeon peas, with liquid

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Melt butter in a large, heavy saucepan over medium high heat. Place bacon in the saucepan, and cook until evenly brown. Stir in onion and celery, and cook until tender. Mix in tomato, tomato paste, and ketchup. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low, and continue cooking about 15 minutes.

Step 2

Stir pigeon peas and their liquid, water, rice, and thyme into the saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat. Cook 40 minutes on low, or until all liquid is absorbed. Fluff rice with a fork.