Ultimate Chicken Pelau Recipe from Trinidad in One Pot

Embark on a culinary journey with this tantalizing Chicken Pelau recipe, a beloved dish hailing from the Caribbean. Vegan chicken pieces are simmered to perfection with fragrant spices, coconut milk, and rice, creating a rich and hearty one-pot meal. With each forkful, savor the vibrant flavors and cultural heritage woven into every bite of this comforting Caribbean classic.

What is the origin of Chicken Pelau?

Chicken Pelau is a traditional dish originating from Trinidad and Tobago, a twin-island nation in the Caribbean. It reflects the diverse culinary influences found in the region, including African, Indigenous, and East Indian flavors.

The dish is believed to have roots in the Afro-Caribbean community, with variations also found in other Caribbean countries such as Grenada and Barbados.

Traditionally cooked in one pot, Chicken Pelau showcases the fusion of ingredients like chicken, rice, pigeon peas, coconut milk, and a medley of aromatic spices, making it a beloved and flavorful staple in Caribbean cuisine.

What is Green Seasoning?

Green seasoning is a vibrant and aromatic blend of fresh herbs, spices, and aromatics commonly used in Caribbean cooking, particularly in Trinidad and Tobago.

The exact ingredients can vary depending on personal preference and regional variations, but typical components include cilantro (coriander), culantro (shado beni), parsley, garlic, green onions (scallions), thyme, and hot peppers such as Scotch bonnet or jalapeño. These ingredients are finely chopped or blended together to create a flavorful paste or marinade that adds depth and complexity to dishes like stews, marinades, and grilled meats.

Green seasoning is often used as a seasoning base to enhance the flavor of various Caribbean dishes, providing a burst of freshness and aromatic notes.

What are Scotch Bonnet peppers?

Scotch bonnet peppers are a variety of chili pepper originating from the Caribbean.

They are known for their vibrant color, typically ranging from yellow to orange to red, and their distinctive shape, which resembles a bonnet or tam o’ shanter hat. Scotch bonnets are extremely spicy, often even hotter than habanero peppers, and are a key ingredient in Caribbean cuisine, adding heat and flavor to dishes like jerk chicken, sauces, and marinades.

They have a fruity and floral flavor profile, making them a popular choice for adding both heat and depth of flavor to dishes.

How can I replace Scotch Bonnet pepper?

If Scotch bonnet peppers are unavailable or too spicy for your taste, there are several alternatives you can use to add heat and flavor to your dishes:

1. Habanero peppers: Similar in heat level to Scotch bonnets, habanero peppers have a fruity flavor that complements Caribbean cuisine well.
2. Jalapeño peppers: Jalapeños are milder than Scotch bonnets but still provide a nice kick of heat. They have a slightly different flavor profile, with a grassy and slightly sweet taste.
3. Serrano peppers: Serranos are hotter than jalapeños but milder than Scotch bonnets. They have a bright, crisp flavor that works well in Caribbean dishes.
4. Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper powder can be used as a substitute for fresh Scotch bonnet peppers. It adds heat without altering the flavor profile too much.
5. Crushed red pepper flakes: If you prefer milder heat, crushed red pepper flakes can be used sparingly to add a touch of spiciness to your dishes.

Remember to adjust the quantity of the substitute pepper based on your desired level of heat, as different peppers vary in spiciness.

What ingredients do I need to make Chicken Pelau?

For making this easy recipes, make sure you have the following ingredients at hand.

For the homemade Green Seasoning, you need cilantro, green onions, scotch Bonnet pepper, garlic, and some vegetable oil.

The actual pelau requires plant-based chicken bits, ketchup, soy sauce, white or brown sugar, bell pepper, onions, and pigeon peas.

All of the above is then cooked with rice in coconut milk and vegetable broth.

Finally, make sure that you have some salt and black pepper ready to adjust to your taste.

How to make Chicken Pelau?

Start with preparing the simple Green seasoning. To do so, give all the ingredients (cilantro, green onions, scotch bonnet pepper, garlic, and vegetable oil) to the bowl of a blender or food processor. Pulse a few times. You want the seasoning to be well combined but not overprocessed. Having some chunks is totally okay.

Next, make the marinade for the chicken. Get a medium-sized bowl and mix the vegan chicken with the green seasoning, ketchup, and soy sauce. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

Heat 2 tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan or skillet. Add the sugar and keep stirring it until it begins caramelizing. When the sugar is slightly brown, throw the marinated chicken into the caramelized sugar. Fry it in the sugar for 2 -3 minutes at medium-high heat.

Add the rice to the one pot, and mix with the vegetable broth and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer, mix in onions and bell peppers. Cook everything for about 8 minutes, then reduce heat to low.

Stir in the green pigeon peas, and season with salt and black pepper. Cover the pot and let all simmer for 10-15 minutes. Keep stirring regularly. If the pelau gets too firm, add more water.

How to serve Chicken Pelau?

Chicken Pelau is typically served as a main dish, often accompanied by traditional Caribbean side dishes. Here are some common ways to serve Chicken Pelau:

• Chicken Pelau can be enjoyed as a standalone dish, served piping hot straight from the pot. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal on its own.
• Creamy avocado slices provide a cool contrast to the spicy flavors of Chicken Pelau. Serve them on the side or as a garnish.
• A side of coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch and a hint of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors of the pelau.
• Sweet and caramelized fried plantains are a classic accompaniment to Caribbean dishes like Chicken Pelau. They provide a delicious contrast in texture and flavor.
• Pickled vegetables such as cucumber, carrot, and cabbage can add a tangy, acidic bite that complements the rich flavors of the pelau.
• For those who enjoy extra heat, serve Chicken Pelau with a side of hot sauce or pepper sauce for drizzling over individual portions according to taste.

These serving suggestions enhance the dining experience and provide a balance of flavors and textures to accompany the bold flavors of the Chicken Pelau.

Other recommended easy recipes with chicken

• Easy Jamaican Curry Chicken Recipe [authentic style]
• Quick Chicken Spinach Curry Recipe [vegan, easy]
• Easy Chicken Crema Recipe with Mushroom Sauce
• Chicken Pasta Salad
• Cajun Chicken

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Enjoy, Florian.