Bajan Black Eyed Peas and Rice

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) black-eyed peas, soaked overnight 2 cups (400g) black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 sprig of thyme 1 sprig of thyme
• 2 bay leaves 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice 1 cup (200g) long-grain white rice
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth 2 cups (470ml) vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 57g, 4g
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Drain the soaked black-eyed peas and add them to the pot. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic.
3. 3.
   Add the thyme, bay leaves, and ground allspice to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. 4.
   Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the black-eyed peas to simmer for about 45 minutes, or until they are tender.
5. 5.
   Stir in the white rice, ensuring it is evenly distributed among the black-eyed peas. Cover the pot again and let it simmer for an additional 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
6. 6.
   Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprig.
8. 8.
   Serve the Bajan Black Eyed Peas and Rice hot, alongside a fresh salad or fried plantains.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Black-eyed peas — Soaking the black-eyed peas overnight helps to reduce their cooking time and ensures they become tender.
• Coconut milk — Use full-fat coconut milk for a creamier and richer flavor in the dish.
• Vegetable broth — If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can use vegetable stock instead of vegetable broth for a more intense taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped scotch bonnet pepper to the dish.
• To enhance the flavors, allow the dish to sit for a few hours or overnight before serving. This will allow the spices to meld together and create a more robust taste.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of allspice used in the recipe.

Serving advice

Serve the Bajan Black Eyed Peas and Rice as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad or fried plantains. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for added freshness.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, serve the Bajan Black Eyed Peas and Rice in a shallow bowl, allowing the vibrant colors of the dish to shine through. Sprinkle some additional thyme leaves on top for a touch of elegance.