COCONUT RICE WITH PIGEON PEAS

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Coconut Rice With Pigeon Peas image

In 2002, Florence Fabricant spoke with Mark Militello, the chef and owner of the now-closed Mark's Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., who brought this recipe to The Times. The chef uses Uncle Ben's converted rice here on the advice of his cooks Pascal Dieumeme and Orenus Olean. It's parboiled, and less sticky, to yield firm, separate grains, a nice counter to the earthy pigeon peas. You can start the peas from from scratch, but it's also fine to use canned or frozen. The whole dish is finished with scallions, bell pepper, thyme and more coconut milk. As tempting as it may be, don't rush the rice to the table: Let it rest off the heat. It'll help its texture and flavor.

Provided by Mark Militello

Categories     one pot, side dish

Time 1h

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 red Scotch bonnet chile
1 1/2 cups Uncle Ben's rice or long grain rice, rinsed until water runs clear
3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
1 cup cooked pigeon peas (gandules); canned or frozen can be used
2 1/4 cups chicken stock
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup finely chopped scallion (green part only)
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded, cored and diced
1/2 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

Steps:

  • Heat oil in heavy saucepan. Add onion, and cook over medium heat until soft. Stir in chili and rice, and cook a few minutes. Fold in 1/2 cup coconut milk and pigeon peas. Add stock. Bring to a simmer. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
  • Cover pan with double layer of plastic wrap so wrap clings tightly to pan, extending about an inch below rim. Place cover of pan over plastic wrap to make a tight seal. Cook over low heat 15 minutes. Remove pan from heat, and set aside 15 minutes.
  • Uncover pan, and remove plastic, using mitts because the steam can burn. Stir rice. Spread out in shallow baking dish to cool.
  • To serve, remove chili. Fold in scallions, bell pepper and thyme. Check seasonings. Return to saucepan, cover, and gently reheat. Fold in remaining coconut milk, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 389, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams, Carbohydrate 51 grams, Fat 17 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 9 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 567 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams

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