Do you love the flavors of Jamaica? Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to recreate the flavors of Jamaica at home? If so, this blog post is perfect for you! We’ll show you how to make an authentic Jamaican dish – rice and gungo peas. Follow our simple steps and soon you’ll be enjoying all the deliciousness that comes with this classic Caribbean meal.
Gather the Ingredients
Gathering the ingredients for Jamaican Gungo Peas and Rice is easy! Start with coconut cream or milk, thyme, allspice berries, scallion, garlic cloves, ginger, onion and a whole scotch bonnet pepper. You’ll also need 1/3 pack of creamed coconut and 1 pack of Grace Coconut Milk. For the main ingredient you can use canned or dried gungo peas. If using dried peas remember to soak them overnight in water before cooking. Once all your ingredients are gathered you can start creating a delicious meal sure to please!
Soak the Beans
Soaking beans before cooking helps to reduce the cooking time and make them more digestible. It also helps to improve their flavor as the soaking process allows them to absorb some of the flavors from the water. To soak beans, cover them in cold water and leave for a minimum of 6 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the soaked beans before using in your recipe.
Wash and Prepare the Rice
Washing rice is an important step in preparing a delicious meal. To wash the rice, place it in a large mesh strainer and rinse it under running water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside. This is an important step as it helps to remove any excess starch from the rice which can make your dish mushy when cooked. Once the rice is washed, you are ready to begin cooking!
Chop Onions, Garlic, and Peppers
Chop Onions, Garlic, and Peppers is a necessary step in many recipes. It adds flavor and texture to the dish. To chop onions, garlic and peppers, begin by cutting the tops off of each item. Then cut them into small cubes or strips. For onions, start by slicing them in half and then making thin slices lengthwise before chopping into cubes or strips. Garlic can be chopped using a garlic press or finely minced with a knife. Peppers should be cut into thin rings or cubes depending on the recipe’s requirements. Once all ingredients are chopped, they are ready to be added to the dish!
Saute Onions and Garlic
Sauteing onions and garlic is a great way to add flavor and aroma to any dish. The key to successful sauteing is to use high heat, so the onions and garlic do not burn. Start by heating oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook, stirring often, until they are lightly browned and fragrant, about 5 minutes. If desired, add herbs or spices of your choice for extra flavor. Sauteed onions and garlic are delicious in soups, sauces, pasta dishes, and more!
Add Peppers and Seasoning
Adding peppers and seasoning to your Jamaican rice and gungo peas is a great way to spice up the flavor of this classic dish. Start by washing the rice in a large mesh strainer, drain and set aside. Then, add coconut milk, water, pigeon peas, onion, green onions, garlic, ginger and season with escallion, thyme and a whole scotch bonnet pepper (optional). Once all the ingredients are combined in the pot, let it simmer until cooked through. Serve hot with your favorite sides for a delicious tropical meal!
Add Beans to Saucepan with Stock
Adding beans to a saucepan with stock is an easy way to make a delicious meal. Start by selecting the type of bean you would like to use; common choices include black beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans. Wash the beans in cold water and remove any debris. Place the washed beans in a large pot or saucepan and cover with enough stock or broth to fully submerge the beans. Heat over medium heat until boiling, then reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer until tender, usually around 40 minutes. Once done cooking, season with salt and pepper before serving this delicious dish!
Boil Until Tender
Boil Until Tender is a cooking method used to evenly cook food. It is usually done by submerging the food in boiling water and letting it cook until it reaches the desired texture. Boiling is one of the most common cooking methods and can be used for a variety of ingredients, such as vegetables, pasta, potatoes, seafood, and even eggs. It is a simple technique that requires minimal preparation and few ingredients. Boiling can also be used to quickly tenderize tougher cuts of meat or fish. Boiling can also be used to reduce sauces or soups while intensifying flavors. Boiling until tender is an essential cooking skill that should not be overlooked!
Simmer Gungo Peas in Coconut Milk
Simmering gungo peas in coconut milk is a popular and delicious way to make a classic Jamaican dish. Gungo peas, also known as pigeon peas, are small and round with a sweet taste that pairs perfectly with the rich and creamy coconut milk. To make this flavorful dish, start by soaking the dried gungo peas overnight in water. Once they’ve softened, drain them and put them in a large saucepan with the coconut milk. Simmer for about 20 minutes or until the gungo peas are tender. Serve over long-grain white rice for a simple yet tasty meal that is both vegan and gluten-free! For added flavor, top with escallion, thyme, whole scotch bonnet pepper, or crushed garlic before serving. Enjoy!
Fluff & Serve Jamaican Rice & Gungo Peas
Fluff & Serve Jamaican Rice & Gungo Peas is a classic Caribbean side dish that is full of traditional flavors. This easy to make dish consists of gungo peas cooked in a seasoned coconut milk with garlic, onions, thyme, escallion and whole allspice. The result is a flavorful and fragrant rice side dish that pairs perfectly with any main course. To cook the perfect Fluff & Serve Jamaican Rice & Gungo Peas, start by soaking dried pigeon peas overnight in water and then rinsing them off. Once they are ready to go, add them to a large cast-iron pot with chicken stock, garlic, onions, thyme and whole allspice. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and simmer for around 45 minutes or until the peas are tender. Once done cooking, fluff up the rice with a fork before serving! Enjoy!
Tips for Making Perfect Jamaican Rice & Gungo Peas
Making the perfect Jamaican Rice & Gungo Peas is easy and delicious. The key to success is in the seasoning, quality of ingredients, and cooking method. To get started, you’ll need to soak dried pigeon peas overnight, then drain and set aside. Wash rice thoroughly in a large mesh strainer before adding coconut milk, water, pigeon peas, onion, green onions, garlic, ginger and other spices like escallion, thyme and whole scotch bonnet pepper. For canned gungo peas add creamed coconut for an even richer flavor.
Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender (this should take about 30 minutes). Once cooked remove from heat and cover with a lid for another 5 minutes or so to help steam the grains for an even fluffier texture. Serve warm alongside your favorite Caribbean dishes!
Serving Suggestions for Jamaican Rice & Gungo Peas
Jamaican Rice and Gungo Peas is a traditional dish that’s loved by many. To make this delicious meal, you will need long-grain white rice, canned gungo peas, coconut milk, onion, garlic, ginger, escallion, thyme and a whole scotch bonnet pepper.
To begin cooking the dish start by emptying the canned gungo peas and liquid into a large saucepan. Fill the empty can with water and add it to the saucepan. Then rinse 2 cups of long-grain white rice in a large mesh strainer and add it to the pot. Now add creamed coconut along with onion, garlic, ginger, escallion and thyme for added flavor. Finally top off your dish with a whole scotch bonnet pepper for an extra kick!
Cover your pot with a lid and cook on low heat for about 40 minutes or until all of the liquid has been absorbed by the rice. Once done serving your Jamaican Rice & Gungo Peas hot or cold as desired! Enjoy!
Conclusion
Jamaican Rice and Pigeon Peas are a traditional Caribbean dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. The dish begins by boiling the pigeon peas in water until they become tender. After draining the liquid, coconut milk and creamed coconut are added to create a flavorful base. The mixture is then brought to a simmer and allowed to cook until the peas are tender, usually taking about one hour. For an extra boost of flavor, herbs such as thyme or scallions can be added during the cooking process. Whether served as part of a main meal or as an accompaniment, Jamaican Rice and Pigeon Peas will surely bring some Caribbean flavor into your kitchen!