Trinidad Vegan Pelau - Unbelievably Delicious!

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + coconut extract

Almond milk reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

black beans

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans save time and cost.

brown rice

🥗Healthier: quinoa

💰Cheaper: white rice

White rice is often less expensive.

scotch bonnet pepper

🥗Healthier: jalapeño

💰Cheaper: habanero pepper

Habanero provides similar heat.

Place a 5-quart pot over high heat to bring it to temperature.

Add brown sugar to the pot and allow it to bubble, froth, and darken.

If the sugar is smoking too much, lower the heat.

Optionally, add ketchup to the pot and stir.

Add mushrooms to the pot as the protein in the dish.

Add rinsed and drained pigeon peas to the pot.

Add the brown rice and stir to combine with the peas and mushrooms, allowing them to take on the color of the brown sugar.

Cook for a couple of minutes to seal in the color and flavor, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pot.

Add green seasoning, celery, onion, carrots, bell pepper, and pumpkin to the pot and mix well.

Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

Add 1 can of coconut milk to the pot.

Add 2 cups of hot water, adjusting for desired texture (more water for softer rice).

Bring the mixture to temperature, adding more water if necessary.

Cover the pot and cook for about 20 to 30 minutes, checking for desired rice texture.

Stir the mixture after 30 minutes and taste, adjusting salt if needed.

If the rice is not soft enough, continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary