Pelau is a savory one-pot Trinidadian favorite. Meat including chicken, beef or pigtails is first browned using “burnt sugar”(little past caramelization point), to which rice, fresh herbs, peas or beans, veggies and coconut milk are added resulting in the most comforting of dishes. A superb marriage of protein, carb and veggies made in heaven.
Prepare chicken: If using a whole chicken, cut into 2-inch pieces. Wash with the juice or a lime or lemon and several changes of water. Drain well. To the chicken, add half of the green seasoning(reserving the other half), 1/2 onion, garlic, ketchup, salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to coat the chicken with the seasonings. Marinate for at least an hour or overnight.
Heat oil in a dry large deep heavy-bottomed pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add sugar and allow it to froth, expand, bubble and darken(but not black and smoking). If black, start over.
Immediately add the seasoned chicken, stirring frequently to coat about 5 minutes. Stir in scallion, onion, remainder of the green seasoning and celery. Cover and cook until 70% cooked, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes,
Rinse rice under running water until water runs clear. Drain and add the rice to the pot along with pigeon peas, carrots, chopped bell pepper, thyme and cook stirring, for 3 minutes.
Mix canned coconut milk with 3 cups hot water and add to pot or enough liquid to cover by 1 inch. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
Bring to a boil. When the liquid comes to a boil, reduce heat to low or simmer, cover pot tightly with a cover and cook for about 30 minutes or until rice is cooked and all the liquid has evaporated. Stir midway to ensure that it is not sticking. Taste and add more salt if required.
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Notes
Cook Beans: If using dried beans or pigeon peas, soak overnight. Drain. Add 4 cups of water to saucepan, bring to boil add 1 cup soaked beans or peas and boil until beans are cooked. Drain (reserving any liquid if you would like to use) and set aside. Alternately, use canned beans, but rinse before using.