Grenada • Caribbean • medium • 45 mins
Grenada Pelau
Description
Pelau is a beloved one-pot dish from Grenada, featuring rice, meat, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered together in a rich, flavorful sauce. It reflects the island’s culinary heritage, combining African, Indian, and Creole influences, making it a staple for family gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 1 lb chicken, cut into pieces
- 1 cup pigeon peas (or black-eyed peas)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then set aside.
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides.
- Add the chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrot to the pot, cooking until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the pigeon peas, coconut milk, chicken broth, soy sauce, ketchup, thyme, allspice, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring well to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 25-30 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.
- Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with chopped green onions, and serve hot.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 450 per serving
Servings: 4
Dietary: gluten-free
⚠️ Allergens: none
Health Benefits
Pelau is a nutrient-rich dish that provides a balanced mix of protein from chicken and legumes, essential vitamins and minerals from vegetables like bell pepper and carrot, and healthy fats from coconut milk. The inclusion of pigeon peas offers a source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health. Additionally, this gluten-free dish supports diverse dietary needs, making it a wholesome choice for various cultural and wellness practices, especially in Caribbean communities.
Cultural Significance
Pelau is often associated with community gatherings and family celebrations in Grenada. It showcases the island’s agricultural bounty and is a dish that brings people together, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that shape Grenadian cuisine.
Explore More Recipes
🌍 More Grenada Recipes – Discover authentic dishes from Grenada
🗺️ More Caribbean Cuisine – Explore recipes from across Caribbean
🥗 More gluten-free Recipes – Browse our gluten-free collection
👨🍳 Similar Difficulty Recipes – Find more medium recipes
🔍 Browse All Recipes – Search our complete collection of 1,000+ African and Caribbean recipes