jannababe
Culinary Explorer
I recently made Trinidadian Pelau, and it was an incredible mix of flavors! This hearty one-pot dish is a Trinidadian classic made with rice, chicken, and vegetables, all cooked in a savory-sweet sauce with caramelized sugar that gives it that beautiful golden color. It's perfect for family meals and special occasions. Here's how you can make this flavorful dish!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces (bone-in or boneless)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme (fresh or dried)
- 2 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped
- 2-3 scallions, chopped
- 1-2 pimento peppers (or 1 small chili pepper), chopped (optional for heat)
- 2 cups rice (washed)
- 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup peas (green or split peas, depending on preference)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Caramelize the Sugar:
- In the same pot, add the brown sugar. Let it melt and caramelize slightly until it turns a golden brown color (about 1-2 minutes). Be careful not to burn it!
3. Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, thyme, parsley, and scallions to the pot with the caramelized sugar. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
4. Add the Rice and Chicken:
- Stir in the rice, making sure it’s coated in the caramelized sugar and vegetables. Add the browned chicken back into the pot and mix everything together.
5. Add Liquids and Simmer:
- Pour in the coconut milk and chicken broth (or water). Add the soy sauce, peas, and carrots. Stir everything to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. If needed, add a little more water during cooking.
6. Finish and Serve:
- Once the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, check the seasoning and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve the Pelau hot, garnished with fresh herbs or more scallions if desired.
Conclusion
Trinidadian Pelau is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for bringing a little taste of the Caribbean to your table. The caramelized sugar, coconut milk, and savory chicken make each bite deliciously rich, and the rice is perfectly cooked with all the wonderful spices and flavors. Whether you're hosting a dinner or just craving something comforting, Pelau is a great choice. It’s a wonderful dish to share with family and friends—just don’t forget the hot pepper sauce for an extra kick!
