I was born and grew up in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where my grandmas, mom, and aunts taught me everything about cooking. Now, I live in the US, and I love hiking, reading, and making meals for my family.
In my Haitian family, learning to cook was as natural as learning to walk, with lessons passed down from my grandmas, aunts, and mother.
This Rice and Pigeon Peas recipe is a staple from my childhood, each ingredient a lesson in tradition and taste.
It’s not just food; it’s a piece of my heritage, crafted with love and the kind of wisdom that only comes from generations of women.
So, let’s get to the heart of Haitian cooking, where every meal is a story, and every bite takes you home.
Please Read>> How to Cook White Rice Perfectly Every Time
Authentic Haitian rice and pigeon peas recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups jasmine or long-grain rice
- 3 cups of frozen pigeon peas ( don’t buy the can stuff!)
- 1 14 oz can of coconut milk ( optional)
- 2 tablespoon of Haitian epis ( if you have any on hand)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato paste (optional)
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 2 tsp thyme leaves
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1-2 scotch bonnet peppers (optional for heat)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent. Add the epis.
- Add the Flavors:
- Stir in tomato paste, ground cloves, and thyme. Cook for a couple of minutes until fragrant. Add the coconut milk.
- Rice and Peas:
- Wash the rice. Add pigeon peas to the pot, stirring to coat the peas with the tomato mixture.
- Pour in the vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper. Add the scotch bonnet peppers if you’re using them. Add the rice at boiling.
- Cook the Dish:
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Finishing Touches:
- Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for about 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and remove the scotch bonnet peppers if used.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
Check out other Haitian recipes like the Authentic Haitian Epis Recipe from a born and raised Haitian woman.
Other Rice Recipes>> Red Snapper Recipe with Mango Salsa & Coconut Rice, A Quick Baked Cod Recipe Wrapped in Prosciutto with Pesto and Veggies
Haitian rice and pigeon peas
This Haitian Rice and Pigeon Peas dish is not just a meal, it’s a celebration of Haitian culture and family traditions.
It’s easy to make, yet full of complex flavors that will transport you to the heart of Haiti with every bite.
Serve it up at your next family gathering or enjoy it as a nourishing weeknight dinner; either way, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Also Try >> Authentic Haitian spaghetti and Haitian Bouillon Soup: A Vegan Take on Bouyon Pye Bèf and Haitian Cornmeal Porridge: A Culinary Hug
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