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

Peas

Kitchen, Additional dish

Kitchen, Additional dish

Spices
Pork
Dad
Preparation Time:
60
Note:
Peas, or dried peas as they are known in other 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 different nations, perhaps due to their nutritional properties, because they can be grown almost all year round, or because they are among the foods that preserve best in a dry state. In Cuba, we cook them in a pressure cooker and they usually require quite a long cooking time. However, outside the island, there are very tender varieties that you should be careful not to overcook, as they break apart. Despite evoking memories of difficult times, peas remain one of the favorite stews 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 tomato sauce
  • 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 that 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. On the other hand, if you buy peeled peas, this process is not necessary as they soften very quickly.

Green peas without pods / CiberCuba Cocina

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

Boiling Peas / CiberCuba Kitchen

Add the bay leaf, the pork hock, 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 soften, peel and cut the pumpkin and potatoes into cubes. Try to make the pieces similar in size so they soften at the same time.

In the pan, prepare a sofrito with the oil, crushed garlic, cumin, paprika, chili, and chopped onion. When the onion becomes transparent, 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. Incorporate the sauté and the chopped root vegetables. At this point, depending on the consistency of the peas, you should decide whether to apply pressure again for another 10 or 15 minutes or simply let it boil uncovered until the root vegetables are cooked and all the elements absorb the flavor of the sauté.

Vegetables for the peas / CiberCuba Kitchen

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

Peas / CiberCuba Kitchen

Enjoy your meal!!

Rations:
4
Spices
Pork
Daddy