Jamaican Stew Peas is a foodie favourite once you have tried it. Here’s an easy to follow recipe for the perfect batch.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups Red Kidney Beans (pre-soaked from overnight)
• 1 lb Salted Pigtail
• ½ lb Chicken Foot (about 10)
• 2 cups coconut milk
• 8 cloves garlic
• 1 bunch Thyme (1 tbsp thyme leaves)
• 12 Pimento Seeds
• 1 cup chopped Escallion
• 1 whole Scotch Bonnet Pepper
• Spinners (see recipe below)
• Special Ingredient: 1 tbsp Home-made green seasoning (OPTIONAL)

DIRECTIONS

1. Place Kidney Beans in pressure cooker with 5 cups water, Thyme, 4 chopped garlic cloves and 12 Pimento Seeds
2. Bring to a boil and pressure cook for 30 minutes
3. Cut pigtail into pieces and wash under running water
4. Boil and drain salted Pigtail twice (or 3 times for less salt). Set aside
5. Prepare chicken foot by removing nails
6. Once peas is cooked, remove thyme. Add Coconut Milk, Pigtail, Chicken Foot and remaining seasoning. Cook for another 30 minutes
7. Add spinners after 20 minutes (spinners will cook in remaining 10 minutes).
8. OPTIONAL: Add green seasoning if you have it. If not, it’s OK. Taste and add salt and pepper if you so desire. Personally, I do without.
9. Serve with your choice of starch (most common is steamed white rice)

SPINNERS (a staple item in Jamaican Stew Peas)

INGREDIENTS :

• ½ cup All-purpose Flour
• ½ cup Whole Wheat Flour (you can use only all-purpose if you wish)
• Water as needed

DIRECTIONS:

• In a mixing bowl, combine flour
• Gradually add water and knead the dough with hands to make a soft dough.Portion dough into 12 pieces
• Form a small ball with each piece. Then roll the ball between hands to form a cylindrical type shape
• Add to Stew Peas and cook in the remaining 10 minutes

Recipe serves: 4 persons