Get ready to transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Jamaica with this mouthwatering Refried Gungo Peas recipe! If you're tired of boring side dishes and craving an authentic Caribbean culinary experience, this recipe is about to become your new obsession. Packed with rich flavors, creamy texture, and a punch of traditional Jamaican seasonings, these refried peas are not just a side dish – they're a one-way ticket to flavor paradise that will have your family and friends begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Jamaican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) gungo peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by draining and rinsing the gungo peas thoroughly. Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the bell pepper into small, uniform pieces.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Allow the oil to warm up for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers slightly.
- Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Introduce the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper to the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their aromatic flavors.
- Add the drained gungo peas to the skillet. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and black pepper over the peas, ensuring even distribution of seasonings.
- Using a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon, gently mash about half of the peas while leaving some whole for texture. Continue cooking and mashing for 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the peas reach a creamy, slightly chunky consistency and are heated through completely.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the mixture seems too dry, add a small amount of water or vegetable broth to achieve desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and let the refried gungo peas rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the dish to slightly thicken.
- Serve hot as a side dish, as a filling for tortillas, or as a traditional Jamaican accompaniment to rice and other main dishes.
Tips
- Choose high-quality gungo peas (pigeon peas) for the best flavor and texture. Fresh or canned both work well, but always drain and rinse thoroughly.
- The key to amazing refried peas is in the mashing technique. Don't over-mash – leave some whole peas for a delightful textural contrast.
- Control your heat carefully. Medium heat prevents burning while allowing the vegetables to caramelize and develop deep, rich flavors.
- For an extra authentic touch, consider adding a small amount of scotch bonnet pepper for a traditional Jamaican heat kick.
- If the peas seem dry during cooking, add a splash of vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Let the peas rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to fully develop and the consistency to slightly thicken.
- These refried peas are incredibly versatile – serve as a side dish, spread in tortillas, or as a hearty base for a vegetarian meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
