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Flavorful Vegetable Pelau Recipe by Chef Shaun 🇹🇹 Foodie Nation

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Recipe Information

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Video-Specific Recipe

Vegetable Pelau

Cultural Context

Vegetable Pelau is a beloved dish from Trinidad and Tobago, often enjoyed during family gatherings and celebrations. This one-pot meal combines rice with a variety of vegetables and is enriched with coconut milk, giving it a distinctive flavor. It reflects the Caribbean's emphasis on fresh produce and vibrant flavors, making it a staple in many households. Modern variations may include different proteins or spices, but the essence of Pelau remains rooted in its simplicity and heartiness.

TrinidadianTTmain
45 min
medium
6 servings
Servings4
2 cups rice
1 cup pigeon peas
1 cup coconut milk
1 medium onion
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon thyme
1 cup pumpkin
2 medium carrots
1/4 cup shadow benny (culantro)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 cups hot water
1 whole pimento
1 scotch bonnet pepper

Quantities are estimated based on standard recipes for your convenience. The actual ingredients used in this video are accurate.

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: light coconut milk

💰Cheaper: almond milk

Light coconut milk reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

mixed vegetables

🥗Healthier: fresh vegetables

💰Cheaper: frozen vegetables

Frozen vegetables are often more affordable and have a longer shelf life.

1

Heat a traditional iron pot over medium heat until hot.

2

Add coconut oil to the pot (optional).

3

Add brown sugar to the pot to caramelize; let it melt and bubble without burning.

4

Once the sugar is caramelized, add hot water to dilute the sugar, mixing well.

5

Add Ruku (a seasoning) to the pot, being mindful of its salt content.

6

Add rice to the pot, stirring to coat with the caramelized sugar for about 60 seconds to absorb color.

7

Add pigeon peas to the pot to incorporate flavor.

8

Add chopped onion, pimento, garlic, thyme, pumpkin, carrots, and shadow benny to the pot; mix well.

9

Pour in coconut milk and toss to combine.

10

Add more hot water to the pot to ensure proper cooking temperature.

11

Add scotch bonnet pepper for flavor; cover the pot.

12

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer to cook the rice and marry the flavors.

13

After 10 minutes, uncover and check the rice; stir to ensure nothing is sticking to the bottom.

14

Cover again and let it cook for another 12-15 minutes, checking for doneness.

15

Once the rice is fully cooked, check the moisture level; adjust cooking time based on preference for texture.

16

Plate the dish and serve with a side of coleslaw.

Cooking Techniques

sautéingboiling

Equipment Needed

large potmeasuring cupscutting boardknifespatula

Spice Level:

🌶️🌶️🌶️

Dietary

vegangluten-freenut-free

Also Known As

PelauVegetable Pilaf

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