I hope you had a fantastic weekend. As Leo and his dad were busy preparing for winter, I was indoors, cooking up something truly special. Given that turkey season is approaching, I decided to make Stewed turkey with pigeon peas.
This combo is the epitome of comfort food. In this tantalizing recipe, I’ve simplified the process by incorporating pigeon peas directly into the dish, eliminating the need for an additional side. The result is a bold symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds dancing.
Before we dive into the recipe, we’d like to encourage you to rate it, leave a comment below, and share pictures if you decide to give it a try. Your feedback and visuals of your culinary masterpiece can inspire others and make this experience even more enjoyable. So, be sure to snap some photos and let us know how it turned out!
Let’s Start Cooking! Preparing stewed turkey with pigeon peas is a breeze. we start by cleaning the turkey the Caribbean way, using lemon, lime juice, or vinegar for that perfect, clean taste. Then, it’s time to marinate the turkey in a blend of green seasoning, garlic, tomatoes, and other aromatic ingredients. Prepping the peas in advance by pressure cooking or boiling in a pot on the stove also helps to save time on the day of cooking.
In a pot, we work our magic with brown sugar and allowing it to bubble, froth, expand, and darken. The addition of ketchup and butter (a family secret) creates a symphony of sweet and savory flavors. Once the turkey is perfectly tender, we introduce the pigeon peas. As they simmer together, the flavors meld, resulting in a thick, flavorful gravy.
A Meal for the Senses
The end result is a hearty stew that can be served over a bed of rice or alongside soft and flaky paratha aka buss up shot. This combination is comfort food at its finest, a delightful treat for your taste buds that the whole family will adore.
So, get ready to cook, share love through food, and experience the true essence of Trinidadian comfort cuisine.
Remember, good food is meant to be shared, so don’t forget to rate and share your experience with us. Happy cooking, and may your culinary endeavors be as warm and delightful as a Trinidadian sunset.
Stewed Turkey with Pigeon Peas
Ingredients
- 8 oz dried pigeon peas 1 cup, boiled
- 4 lbs turkey wings or legs or legs, cut into pieces
- 3 tbs green seasoning
- 2 tbs minced garlic
- 1 tomato chopped
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 2 scallions chopped
- 4 thyme sprigs
- 2 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbs brown sugar
- 1 tbs butter
- 3 tbs ketchup
Instructions
- Begin by rinsing and soaking the dried pigeon peas in a large bowl of water overnight. The next day, rinse them once more, and then cook the peas in a pressure cooker for 30 minutes, using the beans setting. Alternatively, you can place them in a medium Dutch oven with 6 cups of water over medium heat and boil for about 60 minutes or until they become very tender.
- Now, it's time to prep the turkey. Clean it thoroughly, removing any feathers, and rinse it with the juice of a lemon and water. Drain the turkey, place it in a large bowl, and set it aside.
- Season the turkey with green seasoning, minced garlic, chopped tomato, pepper (if using), onion, scallions, thyme, ginger, salt, and black pepper. Marinate the turkey for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for even richer flavors, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.
- When you're ready to cook, heat oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add brown sugar and allow it to bubble, froth, expand, and darken. This process will take about 5 minutes, so patience is key. Keep a close eye on it, and if it turns black, you'll need to start over.
- Quickly add butter and ketchup to the pot, stirring well to combine.
- Now, add the seasoned turkey, increase the heat to high, and stir it to coat with the browning.
- Cover and cook for 40 minutes or until the meat becomes tender, stirring every ten minutes. The turkey should release and cook in its own juices.
- Once the turkey is fully cooked, add the boiled pigeon peas, along with about 2 cups of water or the liquid in which the peas were boiled. Let it simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to absorb all those delectable flavors.
- Your stewed turkey with pigeon peas is ready when the peas have absorbed the essence of the turkey, and the sauce has thickened to create a sumptuous gravy perfect for serving over rice. Enjoy!
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