Authentic Pigeon Peas & Rice Recipe – Sazón Flavored Coconut Delight

Last Updated on 1 month by Neha Deshmukh

Authentic Pigeon Peas & Rice Recipe – Sazón Flavored Coconut Delight

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to share this recipe with you – it’s a real comfort food classic in my family, and I think it’ll become one in yours too. This Pigeon Peas & Rice is bursting with flavour, thanks to a vibrant homemade Sazón blend and creamy coconut milk. It’s surprisingly easy to make, and the aroma while it simmers? Absolutely heavenly!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another rice dish. It’s a little taste of sunshine, a hug in a bowl, and a celebration of flavour. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or even meal prepping for the week. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to be vegan! You’ll love how the savoury pigeon peas pair with the fragrant rice and the subtle sweetness of the coconut.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this deliciousness:

• 1 cup Rice
• 15 oz Guandules/ Pigeon Peas
• 1 tablespoon Sazón seasoning
• 1 tablespoon Tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup Onion, chopped
• 1 cup Celery, chopped
• 1 cup Coconut milk
• 3 cups Water
• Salt or to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Jalapenos, to taste (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few things will really make this recipe shine:

• Guandules/Pigeon Peas: These little gems are the star of the show! They have a slightly nutty flavour and a lovely texture. You can usually find them dried in Latin American or Caribbean grocery stores, or sometimes frozen.
• Homemade Sazón Seasoning: Don’t be intimidated! Making your own Sazón is SO worth it. It’s typically a blend of cumin, coriander, annatto (for that beautiful colour!), turmeric, garlic powder, and onion powder. You control the spice level and freshness.
• Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk really adds richness and depth. But you can use light coconut milk if you prefer a lighter flavour.
• Sazón Variations: Sazón blends vary from region to region! Some include achiote, paprika, or even a touch of oregano. Feel free to experiment and find your perfect blend. My grandmother always added a pinch of smoked paprika – it was her secret!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking!

1. Heat the olive oil in a nice, heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the minced garlic, chopped jalapenos (if using), celery, and onion. Sauté until the vegetables soften and become translucent – about 10 minutes. You want them to be fragrant and slightly softened.
3. Stir in your homemade Sazón seasoning and cook for another minute. This helps bloom the spices and release all those amazing flavours. Your kitchen should be smelling incredible right about now!
4. Add the drained pigeon peas, tomato sauce, and coconut milk. Give everything a good mix to combine.
5. Now, add the rice and 1.5 cups of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
6. Simmer gently, covered, for about 10 minutes, or until the water has evaporated and the rice is tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 5 minutes. This allows the flavours to meld together beautifully.
8. Finally, garnish with chopped cilantro and serve!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the sautéing step! It’s crucial for building flavour.
• If the rice starts to stick, add a splash more water.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Everyone’s palate is different!

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: This recipe is already pretty close to vegan! Just double-check your Sazón seasoning doesn’t contain any animal products.
• Spice Level Adjustment: Love a little heat? Add more jalapenos, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Sazón blend. My friend Maria likes to add a habanero for a real kick!
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels of your ingredients to be sure.
• Puerto Rican/Caribbean Festival Adaptations: For a more festive touch, add a piece of smoked ham hock or a little bit of sofrito to the pot while simmering.

Serving Suggestions

This Pigeon Peas & Rice is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Grilled chicken or fish
• Fried plantains (a classic!)
• A simple green salad
• A side of avocado slices

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavours have had time to develop!

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• What are Guandules and where can I find them? Guandules are a type of pigeon pea commonly used in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. You can find them dried or frozen in Latin American grocery stores, or online.
• Can I make the Sazón seasoning ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to a month.
• What type of rice is best for this dish? Long-grain white rice works perfectly. You can also use jasmine rice for a more fragrant flavour.
• Can I use canned pigeon peas instead of dried? Yes, you can! Just make sure to drain and rinse them well before adding them to the pot.
• How can I adjust the coconut milk for a richer or lighter flavour? Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer flavour, or light coconut milk for a lighter flavour. You can also adjust the amount of coconut milk to your liking.
• Is this dish traditionally served hot or at room temperature? Traditionally, it’s served hot, but it’s also delicious at room temperature.

Enjoy! I hope this recipe brings a little bit of joy to your kitchen. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you!