Trinidad Pigtail Pelau

pigtail

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork

Chicken is leaner and more accessible.

coconut milk

🥗Healthier: light coconut milk

💰Cheaper: milk + coconut extract

Light coconut milk reduces calories.

black-eyed peas

🥗Healthier: kidney beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Canned beans save time and money.

scotch bonnet pepper

🥗Healthier: jalapeño

💰Cheaper: habanero

Jalapeños provide heat with more availability.

Cook pigtails on low heat for about 2 hours until tender.

Heat a deeper pot on medium and add 2 tablespoons of oil.

Add 5 tablespoons of brown sugar and cook until it darkens like caramel.

Add the cooked pigtails to the pot and sear them until they are nicely browned.

Cover the pot and let the pigtails cook further.

Chop the carrots, onion, and pumpkin, and prepare the other ingredients.

Add a little water to the pot to steam the pumpkin until tender.

Add 4 tablespoons of green seasoning, 2 tablespoons of garlic, half of the chopped scallions, and thyme to the pot.

Add 2 teaspoons of salt to brighten the flavors.

Add 3.5 cups of rice, the pigeon peas, chopped carrots, pumpkin, onion, and scallions to the pot.

Stir to combine all ingredients and ensure the rice is evenly coated with the caramelized sugar.

Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt if necessary.

Prepare coconut milk by dissolving a half block in hot water.

Add the coconut milk to the pot and stir to combine.

Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20 minutes, then let it sit for an additional 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: