Bahamian Peas And Rice Recipe

Ingredients for Bahamian Peas And Rice

• Vegetable Oil
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• Green Bell Pepper
• Garlic Cloves
• Fresh Basil Leaves
• Fresh Thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cups water
• Long Grain White Rice
• Fresh Lime Juice
• Pigeon Peas

How to Make Bahamian Peas And Rice

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat.
2. Add 4 slices of bacon, diced, and cook until lightly browned, about 4 minutes.
3. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
4. Add 1 medium onion, chopped, 1 bell pepper, chopped, and 2 cloves garlic, minced. Cook until the onion is golden brown, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes more.
6. Add 2 cups of water and bring to a boil.
7. Stir in 1 cup long-grain rice and 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Return to a boil.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes.
9. If the rice is too dry, add 2-3 tablespoons of water. If too wet, leave the cover slightly ajar for the remaining cooking time.
10. Stir in 1 cup of peas (fresh or frozen).
11. Cook until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 3 minutes more.
12. Remove from heat, stir in the cooked bacon, and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes.
13. Fluff with a fork and adjust seasoning as needed.