Chicken Pelau Recipes

CHICKEN PELAU

Steps:

• If using dried peas, soak them overnight in 3 cups of water. Drain. Bring 3 fresh cups of water to a boil in a saucepan and add the peas. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until cooked almost completely through. Drain and set aside. If using canned beans, drain, rinse with cold water, drain again, and set aside. Wash the rice by placing it in a colander or fine-mesh sieve and running cold water over it until the water runs clear, about 1 minute. Drain well and set aside.
• Heat the oil over medium heat in a Dutch oven or other heavy, deep pot. Add the sugar and swirl in the pot, stirring constantly; allow it to caramelize to a dark brown color. Add the chicken and stir well to coat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Stir in 2 cups of water, the coconut milk, bay leaf, Green Seasoning, parsley, thyme, carrots, and scallions. Season with salt. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
• Stir the rice, squash, peas, hot pepper, ketchup, and butter into the chicken. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the peas and vegetables are tender. Remove lid and fluff the rice. The rice should be moist but not sticky. Remove bay leaf, thyme sprig, and hot pepper.
• Note: Pigeon peas are traditional in this dish, but pinto beans or black-eyes peas also work well because, like pigeon peas, they hold their shape well after cooking. Brown sugar is preferable for deeper flavor and color. Chicken is the most common meat in pelau, but cuts of stew beef or lamb work just as well. If using meat, up the cooking time before adding the rice to 40 minutes to allow the meat to get tender. In Tobago, pelau is often made with crab. West Indian pumpkin (also called calabaza) is ideal for this recipe, although the pie or "cheese" pumpkin common in the U.S., if in season, makes a very good substitute. Butternut squash will also work, although it will be slightly less sweet.

TRINIDADIAN PELAU WITH CHICKEN

Steps:

• Place brown sugar in a large heavy pot. Cook over medium heat, tilting the pan to redistribute it occasionally, until it melts and starts to caramelize, about 3 minutes. (Take care not to let the sugar burn.) Add chicken and stir to coat. Add coconut milk, water, carrots, salt and pepper; bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer, cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 minutes.
• Stir in rice and peas. Cook, covered, until heated through, about 5 minutes.

CHICKEN PELAU

Steps:

• Rinse chicken and rub with lime.
• In a large bowl: add salt, black pepper, garlic, half of the brown sugar, and half of the worcestershire sauce to chicken, then set aside (the longer you let it sit, the better the flavor!).
• Heat oil in large deep pot. When hot, sprinkle in remaining brown sugar. Once sugar begins to bubble, add chicken and coat well until chicken is nicely browned.
• Add carrots, rice, hot pepper, water and coconut milk. Mix well. Cover tightly and cook on very low heat 30-45 mins until rice is almost fully cooked. Do not stir while cooking.
• Add pigeon peas and raisins. Continue cooking on low heat 10-15 mins until rice is fully cooked. Add additional worcestershire sauce to taste.
• VARIATION: pork or beef can be used instead of chicken.

PELAU

Steps:

• Season chicken with salt, pepper, green seasoning, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and ketchup.
• Heat oil in a large heavy iron pot or skillet.
• Add sugar and allow to burn until brown.
• Add seasoned chicken and stir until pieces are well coated with burnt sugar; brown for 3-5 minutes. *Add more water if needed.
• Add rice and turn often until well mixed. Cook for 3 minutes more.
• Add onion, sweet peppers, carrots and pumpkin and cook for a few minutes, stirring a few times.
• Add peas, salt, hot pepper, coconut milk and broth. Bring to the boil, lower heat, cover and simmer until rice is cooked and all liquid is evaporated (about 25-30 minutes).
• Add more liquid if rice is still hard and continue to cook for few more minutes.
• Note: Pelau could also be baked in an oven. Cover pot with tin foil and bake at 350F degrees for 30-35 minutes.