Bahamian Peas & Rice π΄π
Description:
During a memorable vacation in the Bahamas, I stumbled upon this delightful dish, Bahamian Peas & Rice. Despite my aversion to beans, I found myself enjoying it immensely, only to discover later that the “peas” were, in fact, beans! This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it encapsulates the flavors of the Caribbean, making it perfect for a quick lunch or snack. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, easy to whip up on a weeknight, and budget-friendly too!
Recipe Information:
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Category: Lunch/Snacks
- Keywords: Rice, Beans, Caribbean, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 | Garlic |
| 2 sprigs | Fresh Thyme |
| 5 cups | Rice |
| 2 | Scallions |
| 1 slice | Bacon |
| 2 tbsp | Tomato Paste |
| 1/2 tsp | Red Pepper Flakes |
| To taste | Salt and Pepper |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1252.8
- Fat: 19.1g
- Saturated Fat: 6.1g
- Cholesterol: 24.5mg
- Sodium: 388mg
- Carbohydrates: 226.5g
- Fiber: 20.1g
- Sugar: 3.9g
- Protein: 40.7g
Recipe Instructions:
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Boil the Beans: Start by boiling the beans in a medium saucepan with 5-6 cups of water until they are tender, approximately 45 minutes. Once done, set them aside.
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Prepare the Aromatics: In a separate medium pot, fry the bacon until crispy. Then, add in the chopped scallions, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes, and sautΓ© for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
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Season the Base: To the pot, add salt, pepper, fresh thyme leaves (removed from the sprigs), and tomato paste. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Incorporate the Beans: Add the boiled beans along with 4 cups of the water used to boil them into the pot with the aromatic base. This water is infused with the flavors of the beans and will add depth to the dish.
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Introduce the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil, then add in the rice. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
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Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and allow the rice to simmer until most of the water has evaporated, and the rice is cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once the rice is cooked to perfection, fluff it with a fork and serve hot. This Bahamian Peas & Rice is perfect as a standalone dish or as a side to your favorite Caribbean-inspired meals. Enjoy the flavors of the islands right at home!
This recipe is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the Caribbean, where simple ingredients come together to create vibrant and satisfying dishes. Whether you’re reminiscing about a past vacation or looking to add some tropical flair to your meal rotation, Bahamian Peas & Rice is sure to delight your taste buds and transport you to sandy shores and clear blue waters with every bite.
