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Guyanese Peas and Rice
Fluffy rice simmered with pigeon peas, coconut milk and fresh herbs — a quick, comforting Guyanese side dish that goes with everything from stewed chicken to fried fish.
Peas and rice is the everyday Guyanese side dish — lighter than cook-up rice, but just as comforting. Pigeon peas and a little coconut milk turn a pot of plain rice into something special that rounds out almost any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups parboiled rice, washed and drained
- 1 1/2 cups pigeon peas (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 1/2 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks scallion, chopped
- 3 sprigs thyme
- 1 whole wiri wiri or hot pepper (optional)
- 2 tbsp oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- If using dried pigeon peas, boil them until just tender first. Fresh, frozen or canned peas can go in as they are.
- Heat the oil in a pot and sauté the onion, garlic, scallion and thyme until fragrant.
- Add the pigeon peas and stir for a minute.
- Pour in the coconut milk and water, season with salt and black pepper, and bring to a boil.
- Stir in the washed rice and add the whole pepper. Bring back to a boil.
- Lower the heat, cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Turn off the heat, let it steam 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Remove the whole pepper and serve.
Tips & Notes
- Unlike cook-up rice, peas and rice is lighter and usually meat-free — perfect as a side.
- Don't stir too much once the rice is in, or it can turn sticky.
- Black-eye peas or red beans work well if you don't have pigeon peas.
- Pairs beautifully with stewed chicken, fried fish or curry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What peas are best for peas and rice?
Pigeon peas are traditional, but black-eye peas or red beans also work well.
Can I use canned peas?
Yes — just drain and add them as they are. Only dried peas need to be boiled first.
What goes well with peas and rice?
Stewed chicken, fried fish or any curry — it is a versatile side dish that suits almost any main.
Nutrition is an approximate estimate per serving and will vary with brands, portion sizes and substitutions. See our disclaimer.
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