Islands Peas And Rice
A hearty and flavorful rice dish with bacon or ham, lima beans, and tomato paste, perfect for a comforting meal that appeals to both family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Dice bacon or ham into small pieces.
- Fry bacon or ham until crisp.
- Cut onion into small pieces.
- Add onion to the frying bacon or ham and fry until golden brown.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for a few minutes.
- Add salt and pepper, then add rice, lima beans, and water or liquid.
- Cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon or ham. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with mushrooms or a plant-based protein. You can also add a bay leaf during cooking for extra depth. Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch, which helps achieve fluffier grains.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Islands Peas And Rice as a hearty main dish, or pair it with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. It also complements grilled proteins nicely, making it a great side for dishes like Orange-Glazed Ribs. For a complete dinner experience, consider offering a light dessert to finish off the meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water and microwave or heat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This dish also freezes well; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Islands Peas And Rice contains roughly 348 calories, with 6g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (13% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2224mg per serving (97% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but be sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid accordingly since brown rice takes longer to cook. Typically, you'll need to increase the water to 3.5 cups and cook it for about 45-50 minutes until tender.
What can I substitute for lima beans?
If you don't have lima beans, you can replace them with canned kidney beans or black beans for a different texture and flavor. Both options will work well in this recipe and still provide a good source of protein.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon or ham and add more vegetables, like bell peppers or carrots. You could also incorporate a plant-based protein like chickpeas for added substance.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).