Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will awaken your senses and bring the authentic taste of Jamaica right into your kitchen! This Jamaican Pigeon Peas Stew is not just a meal; it's a celebration of rich, bold flavors that will make your family and friends beg for seconds. Packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with traditional Caribbean spices, this hearty stew is the perfect comfort food that promises to elevate your home cooking to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Jamaican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pigeon peas
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrots
- Bell pepper
- Thyme
- Vegetable broth
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Rinse the pigeon peas thoroughly under cold water and drain. If using dried peas, soak them overnight and then drain.
- Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, dice the carrots, and slice the bell pepper into thin strips.
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add the diced carrots and bell peppers to the pot, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Sprinkle fresh thyme leaves into the vegetable mixture, allowing the herbs to release their aromatic flavors.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed pigeon peas to the pot.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Bring the stew to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Check the tenderness of the peas and vegetables. The stew should have a thick, hearty consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, optionally accompanied by rice or traditional Jamaican hard food.
Tips
- For the most authentic flavor, use fresh pigeon peas if available. If using dried peas, ensure you soak them overnight for optimal texture.
- Don't rush the sautéing process - letting the onions caramelize slowly builds a deeper flavor foundation for your stew.
- Fresh thyme is key! While dried thyme works, fresh thyme leaves will give your stew a more vibrant, aromatic profile.
- Control the consistency by adjusting the amount of vegetable broth. For a thicker stew, use less liquid; for a soupier version, add more broth.
- This stew tastes even better the next day, so consider making it in advance to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- Serve with traditional Jamaican rice or hard food for a complete and authentic dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
