CiberCuba Cocina
Pea stew with white rice | Photo © CiberCuba Cocina

Peas

Kitchen, Additional dish

Kitchen, Additional dish

Preparation Time:
60 minutes
Note:
Green peas, or dried peas as they are called in some regions, belong to the legume family. They are rich in protein, fiber, and vitamin B. Their history is closely linked to periods of famine in various countries, possibly due to their nutritional properties, the fact that they can be cultivated nearly year-round, or because they are one of the foods that best preserves in dried form. In Cuba, we cook them in a pressure cooker, which typically requires a long cooking time. However, outside of the island, you can find very tender varieties that you need to be careful with; if overcooked, they can fall apart. Although green peas evoke memories of difficult times, they remain one of the favorite dishes for many Cubans, especially when prepared "with all the fixings." Check out our recipe, and if you make it at home, don't forget to share a photo on our social media!
Ingredients:
  • 500 grams of peas
  • 7 cups of water
  • 2 chorizos cut into medium pieces
  • 100 grams of bacon, diced
  • 1 ham bone or a pork knuckle
  • 1 onion
  • 5 cloves of garlic
  • 3 tablespoons of ketchup
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 potatoes
  • 1 piece of pumpkin
  • 3 tablespoons of oil (preferably extra virgin olive oil)
  • 1 teaspoon of paprika
  • ½ teaspoon of ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:

For this recipe, the first thing to consider is what type of peas you will use, as this determines whether or not you need to soak them. If you buy peas with skin, for example, you should soak them for at least two hours beforehand. However, if you purchase peeled peas, this step is not necessary since they soften very quickly.

Shelled green peas / CiberCuba Cuisine

Place them in the pressure cooker with 7 cups of water. Allow them to come to a boil and use a ladle to remove any foam that forms on the surface.

Boiling Peas / CiberCuba Kitchen

Add the bay leaf, the pork knuckle, the bacon, and the chorizo. Cover the pot and apply pressure over medium heat for 20 minutes.

Knuckle, chorizo, and bacon for the peas / CiberCuba Cocina

While the peas are softening, peel and cut the squash and potatoes into cubes. Try to ensure that the pieces are of a similar size, as this will allow them to soften at the same time.

In the pan, prepare a sauté with the oil, crushed garlic, cumin, paprika, chili, and chopped onion. When the onion becomes translucent, add the tomato, mix well, and remove from heat.

Onion, chili, and garlic / CiberCuba Kitchen

Check that the peas are soft and have enough broth. Add the sautéed mixture and the chopped root vegetables. At this point, depending on the consistency of the peas, you should decide whether to continue cooking under pressure for another 10 to 15 minutes or simply let it simmer uncovered until the root vegetables are cooked and all the ingredients absorb the flavor of the sautéed mixture.

Root Vegetables for Peas / CiberCuba Kitchen

If the peas are soft, stir the bottom frequently to prevent them from sticking. The result should be soft grains and a thick stew.

Peas / CiberCuba Kitchen

Enjoy your meal!

Rations:
4