Pigeon Peas and Rice
Based on a recipe from Heidi Haughy Cusick’s book, Soul and Spice, African Cooking in the Americas. This book is chock-filled with Caribbean, Bahia Brazilian, and Louisiana Creole recipes. She says, “This Caribbean mainstay is found on all the islands in a variety of forms. Sometimes it is cooked with pork; other times it is prepared with water, onions, and salt. The peas can also be cooked with coconut milk, and garlic, tomatoes, and green onions can be added. Curry power is another option. And the hot habanero (Scotch Bonnet) chile is optional. Pigeon peas are native to Africa and resemble black-eyed peas. They are pale yellow and have a small “eye”. In the West Indies, pigeon peas also go by goongoo, Congo, and gungo peas. The peas’ earthy flavor is wonderful; when these legumes are combined with rice the resulting texture is a mouthful to behold. In Cuba red beans and rice are called congri. A dish of black beans and rice on the island is called Moros y Christianos, for Moors and Christians. Cook time doesn’t include soaking the peas overnight. When I tried this, I added 2 tablespoons of liquid smoke along with smoked bacon in place of ham hocks (couldn't find) and our guests and we loved it! Nice backdrop to any dish that suggests a rice accompaniment.
