There are a few things to mention before you begin. This is Review of Caribbean peas etc.above I shared it in 2016. And while I say it, I need to admit that I’m saying this is a Jamaican recipe (In the title)it is made in variations throughout the Caribbean.
You need it…
2 cups of red kidney beans (soaked)
2 pounds of salted pigtails (1.5 inch piece)
1 lime or lemon (juice)
1 onion 1 (Diced)
Three leeks (chop)
8 cloves of garlic
Thyme twig
Two bay leaves
1 Scotch Bonnet Pepper
1 teaspoon black pepper
6-10 Allspice Berry (Pimento Seed)
3/4 tsp smoked pimento (paprika)
1 pack of coconut milk powder (1.76 oz – see notes below)
9 -12 cups of water
1 cup of flour (dump)
1 teaspoon salt (dump)
1/2 tsp brown sugar
3/4 tsp salt (Adjustment)
Note! Follow the video below. Describes the recipe in detail. These include personalizations that can be added, why we used coconut milk powder, and why it’s important to keep the recipe somewhat traditional.
Tip! If you forget to soak the red beans overnight, bring in a boil and bring in water, turn off the stove, place the beans/peas in a pan and let them sit for 2 hours. Drain and use.
We serve 5-6 people.
Yes, the “peas” in this recipe are actually red kidneys, washed overnight and soaked. The size is almost doubled. The video explained how to assume a salted pigtail for 35-40 minutes. Washed with lemon juice and cold water before boiling.
With this simplified recipe, you just need to add everything to the pot and simmer for 2-3 hours.
Added garlic, baylelev, thyme, black pepper, scotch bonnet pepper and pimento berries (also known as Allspice)green onions, smoked pimento (It’s not traditionally used, but I enjoy the slight kiss of the smoky flavor it adds) In the pot.
You can use 2 cups of coconut milk while using coconut milk powder (liquid) Instead (It just reduces the amount of water used). Top everything with water until covered and bring to a boil. I started using 9 glasses of water.
In my case, I cook it less until it’s cooked until everything is tender and at least 2 hours or 2.5 hours.
Meanwhile, you need to skim off (destruction) There is a bubble at the top and add water accordingly. I needed another 2 cups of water. Yes, you can use a pressure cooker to reduce the time you need, but like your ancestors, they prefer to cook it low and slow.
Make the dough with flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and brown sugar that may look strange (Tips that my Bajan friend’s mom shared with me years ago). Start with 1/3 cup of water and add more if necessary. Next, shape the dough into a “spinner”, a small, cigar-shaped dumpling, and add it to the pan. Continue cooking for another 25 minutes.
This stewed Jamaican red peas become even thicker when they cool, so adjust the salt to your liking. I added 3/4 teaspoons as there was residual salt from the salted pigtail pieces.
Add dumplings if necessary and you can mess with the dough by adding whatever you like with grated coconut, cassava, or dumplings. It acts as a stew or as a side of rice.
The beans become soft, the salted pigtails melt in the mouth, and the dumplings become soft like pillows, especially when reheated the next day.
