Stewed turkey with pigeon peas 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.
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!