Chicken Pelau

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@steepandsizzle

A traditional Caribbean dish combining chicken, rice, and peas, cooked in coconut milk and seasoned with aromatic spices.

Chicken Pelau recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
45min
Total Time
1hr 5min

Ingredients

5 Servings
(1 serving = 1 portion)

Chicken Pelau

  • chicken
    chicken
    2lb
  • parboiled rice
    parboiled rice
    2cups
  • coconut milk
    coconut milk
    1can
  • pigeon peas
    pigeon peas
    1cup
  • vegetable oil
    vegetable oil
    2tbsp
  • brown sugar
    brown sugar
    2tbsp
  • onion
    onion
    1piece
  • garlic
    garlic
    3clove
  • carrot
    carrot
    1piece
  • scallions
    scallions
    2piece
  • green bell pepper
    green bell pepper
    1/2piece
  • thyme
    thyme
    1tsp
  • black pepper
    black pepper
    1tsp
  • salt
    salt
    1tsp
  • paprika
    paprika
    1/2tsp
  • all-purpose seasoning
    all-purpose seasoning
    1/2tsp
  • Scotch bonnet pepper
    Scotch bonnet pepper
    1piece
  • chicken broth
    chicken broth
    3cups
  • butter
    butter
    1tbsp
  • lime
    lime
    1piece

How to make Chicken Pelau

Prepare the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    Wash the chicken with lime juice and rinse with water.

  2. Step 2

    Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, paprika, and all-purpose seasoning. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Caramelize the Sugar

  1. Step 1

    Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.

  2. Step 2

    Add brown sugar and let it melt and bubble until it turns dark brown, but not burnt.

Cook the Chicken

  1. Step 1

    Add the seasoned chicken to the caramelized sugar and let it brown for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.

Sauté Aromatics

  1. Step 1

    Add onion, garlic, scallions, bell pepper, and carrot. Stir and cook for another 3 minutes.

Combine Ingredients

  1. Step 1

    Stir in the pigeon peas and rice, ensuring everything is well coated in the seasonings.

  2. Step 2

    Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth. Add the Scotch bonnet if using.

  3. Step 3

    Cover and let simmer over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Stir occasionally.

Finish and Serve

  1. Step 1

    Remove from heat and stir in butter for added richness. Let the pelau rest for 5 minutes before serving.

  2. Step 2

    Serve hot with coleslaw, cucumber salad, or avocado slices.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

704.0kcal (35.2%)

Protein

44.0g (88%)

Carbs

72.0g (26.18%)

Sugars

4.0g (8%)

Healthy Fat

12.1g

Unhealthy Fat

10.0g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. Trinidad Green Seasoning is a flavorful herbal blend used in Caribbean cooking to marinate meats, seafood, and vegetables.

FAQS

  1. How can I make Chicken Pelau suitable for a gluten-free diet?

    To make Chicken Pelau gluten-free, ensure that all your seasonings, including the all-purpose seasoning, are labeled gluten-free. You can also substitute the parboiled rice with gluten-free rice varieties like jasmine or basmati rice, which will work well in this dish.

  2. What are some good substitutions for pigeon peas in Chicken Pelau?

    If you can't find pigeon peas, you can substitute them with black-eyed peas or chickpeas. Both options will add a similar texture and flavor to the dish, ensuring your Chicken Pelau remains delicious.

  3. How should I store leftover Chicken Pelau?

    To store leftover Chicken Pelau, let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.

  4. What side dishes pair well with Chicken Pelau?

    Chicken Pelau pairs wonderfully with coleslaw, cucumber salad, or avocado slices. You can also serve it with fried plantains or a simple green salad to complement the rich flavors of the dish.

  5. What is the cooking process for making Chicken Pelau from scratch?

    To make Chicken Pelau, start by washing the chicken with lime juice and marinating it with spices. Heat oil in a pot, caramelize brown sugar, and brown the chicken. Add vegetables, rice, pigeon peas, coconut milk, and chicken broth, then simmer until the rice is tender. Finish with butter for richness and let it rest before serving.

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