Auntie Phyllis Bajan Smoked Chicken Pelau

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: light coconut milk

💰Cheaper: milk + coconut extract

Light coconut milk reduces calories while still providing a coconut flavor.

smoked chicken

🥗Healthier: grilled chicken

💰Cheaper: regular chicken

Grilled chicken is lower in fat and more accessible.

black-eyed peas

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are nutritious and often cheaper than fresh peas.

scotch bonnet pepper

🥗Healthier: jalapeño

💰Cheaper: bell pepper

Jalapeños provide heat with less intensity than scotch bonnet.

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.

Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

Stir in thyme, bay leaves, and allspice; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add the smoked chicken pieces; brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.

Incorporate rice and black-eyed peas; stir well to combine.

Pour in coconut milk and enough water to cover the rice; season with salt.

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender.

Add chopped bell pepper, carrots, and scotch bonnet pepper; stir gently.

Cover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until vegetables are tender.

Remove from heat; let sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: