Pelau, also known as pilaf, is a flavorful and aromatic dish with origins in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, and other Caribbean islands. Celebrated as a national dish in Trinidad and Tobago, Pelau holds a special place in Caribbean cuisine. This delectable one-pot meal combines fragrant rice, tender meat, and a medley of vegetables, all infused with a rich, flavorful broth.
Pelau is a versatile dish that can be prepared with various meats, including chicken, beef, pork, or a combination. Shrimp, crab, or other seafood can also be added for a delightful variation. The rice, typically long-grain, is cooked in a seasoned broth infused with coconut milk, adding a creamy texture and distinct flavor. The addition of pigeon peas, a staple ingredient in Caribbean cuisine, contributes a hearty bite and earthy taste.
This article presents a collection of Pelau recipes that cater to diverse preferences and skill levels. From the classic Trinidad and Tobago Pelau to the unique Guyanese Pelau, each recipe offers a unique take on this beloved dish. We'll also explore variations such as Vegetarian Pelau, Seafood Pelau, and even a simplified Instant Pot Pelau recipe for those seeking convenience. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, you'll find a Pelau recipe that suits your taste and expertise.
CHICKEN PELAU
This is a tasty Caribbean dish using chicken, curry and rice all cooked together. It is an easy, one-pot meal sure to please the entire family.
Provided by Ayestar
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Caribbean
Time 55m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a medium bowl, stir together the vinegar and 1 tablespoon of salt. Add chicken and soak for 20 minutes. Rinse chicken, and season with salt and pepper. Discard vinegar, and set chicken aside.
- Heat the oil in a deep saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the onion and garlic; cook and stir until browned. Add the chicken pieces, and fry until browned all over, stirring constantly. Pour in the rice, and season with thyme and curry powder. Stir in the water.
- Cover, and cook over medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and has absorbed all of the liquid.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 595.1 calories, Carbohydrate 54 g, Cholesterol 113.6 mg, Fat 26.1 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 33.4 g, SaturatedFat 7.1 g, Sodium 1279.6 mg, Sugar 1.1 g
PELAU
Pelau (Rice, Chicken and Pigeon Peas) Popular Trinidad Dish that can be cooked with any type of meat. Recipe with some personal edits is from Trinidad and Tobago Naparima Girls' High School Cookbook
Provided by SpyceeTrini
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 40m
Yield 8-10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 20
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.
CHICKEN PELAU
Posting for ZWT 5 For the Caribbean region Trindad This is different from the other Pelau recipe posted It is a one pot meal.
Provided by wicked cook 46
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h20m
Yield 5 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
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.
TRINIDAD PELAU
Pelau is a stew from Trinidad made with either beef or chicken. The unique flavor comes from searing the meat in caramelized sugar then simmering with rice, coconut milk, and pigeon peas. Serve accompanied by slices of tomato, avocadoes, or cucumber.
Provided by TRINIREDLOCKS
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Caribbean
Time 35m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cook sugar in a large saucepan over medium heat until it begins to caramelize. Stir in the beef, and cook until well browned. Bring the water, coconut milk, rice, pigeon peas, and carrot to a simmer; cover and cook until rice is done, about 25 minutes. Stir in parsley to garnish.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 540.9 calories, Carbohydrate 58.3 g, Cholesterol 50.7 mg, Fat 24.8 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 22.1 g, SaturatedFat 13.5 g, Sodium 69.4 mg, Sugar 7.9 g
Tips:
- Choose the right rice: Use a long-grain rice like basmati or jasmine rice for a fluffy texture.
- Soak the rice: Soaking the rice for 30 minutes before cooking helps to reduce the cooking time and makes the rice more tender.
- Use flavorful broth: Use a flavorful broth like chicken broth, beef broth, or vegetable broth to add depth of flavor to the pelau.
- Add some heat: If you like spicy food, add some scotch bonnet peppers or habanero peppers to the pelau. You can also use a spicy sausage like andouille sausage or chorizo.
- Don't overcook the rice: The rice should be cooked until it is tender, but still has a slight bite to it. Overcooked rice will be mushy.
- Let the pelau rest: After the pelau is cooked, let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion:
Pelau is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a casual weeknight meal. With its combination of rice, meat, seafood, vegetables, and spices, pelau is a dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a new dish to try, give pelau a try. You won't be disappointed!
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