Pigeon Peas and Rice (Bahamas)

Pigeon peas and rice is very common in the Bahamas and the Caribbean. The pigeon peas are actually a bean. So basically you have rice and beans in one dish. Of course anything with bacon, well need I say more? The thyme adds a wonderful flavour to the dish as well.

1 cup rice
2 cups water
1 onion, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
¼ cup bacon, diced
1 (14.5 oz) can pigeon peas
¼ cup tomato paste
sea salt
black pepper
paprika
fresh thyme

Fry bacon until crisp. Add in the pepper and onion and cook until the onion is translucent.

Add in the water, un-drained can of peas, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme and rice.

Cover the pot with a tight fitting lid and simmer until all the water has been absorbed.

Serve immediately with a sprig of fresh thyme.

Makes 4 servings.