Rice With Pigeon Peas
A flavorful Caribbean-inspired rice dish with pigeon peas, bacon, and savory seasonings, perfect for family dinners and those craving hearty, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can pigeon peas, drained ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 10 green olives, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 tomato, diced ⓘ
- 1/4 green pepper, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 slices bacon, cut in small pieces ⓘ
- 2 cups white rice ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Goya Adobo all-purpose seasoning ⓘ
- 3 cups water ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large saucepan on medium heat, add olive oil and bacon. Brown the bacon.
- Add chopped garlic, onion, and green pepper. Stir often until browned.
- Add diced tomato and sliced green olives. Stir to combine.
- Stir in tomato sauce, all-purpose seasoning, and cilantro.
- Add pigeon peas and 2 cups of water. Cover the pan and boil for 30 minutes.
- Add rice and 1 cup of water. Cook on high, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
- Reduce heat, cover the pan, and simmer until the rice is done, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of water. You can substitute pigeon peas with black-eyed peas if needed. If you're short on time, precooked bacon can speed up the process. Adding a splash of lime juice before serving enhances the flavors. Pairing this dish with a side of Grandma Lydia's German Potato Salad adds a refreshing contrast.
Serving Suggestions
This Rice with Pigeon Peas makes a hearty main dish, but it also pairs well with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or with a side of Ma'S
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it heats evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice With Pigeon Peas contains roughly 497 calories, with 14g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (60% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and protein (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 853mg per serving (37% 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 make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth instead of water. The dish will still be flavorful, especially with the garlic and spices.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic and onions. You can also serve with hot sauce on the side for those who prefer extra spice.
What can I serve with Rice with Pigeon Peas?
This dish pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or fish. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a side of Wild Poke Greens for added nutrition and flavor. A crisp green salad also complements this dish nicely.
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).