Diri kole ak pwa Kongo (Rice w/green pigeon peas)
November 17, 2020
Diri kole ak pwa Kongo (Rice with pigeon peas) is one of my family’s favorite dishes. Whenever we have a party they ask my mom to make that and it’s always a hit!! I wanted to share my mom’s version with you guys.
The most complicated part about this recipe is peeling the tomatoes. I must note that the reason for using peeled tomatoes is because the tomato skin does not break down and it’s just not pleasant to chew on in the rice. I’ve seen about 3 different methods on how to peel them so let’s discuss this.
First method is the one my mom uses which is to make 2 slits that cross each other on the underside of the tomato; this will give you 4 flaps. You boil some water and pour it over the tomatoes, let it sit for a couple of seconds then transfer them to an ice bath. Using your knife you start peeling the skin off from those 4 flaps you created earlier and the skin should come right off.
Second method I’ve discovered was to again make 2 slits that cross each other on the underside of the tomato; this will give you 4 flaps. Next put it in a plastic baggie then place it in the freezer for at least 12 hours (I think It could be less than 12 hours but I will have to experiment). After 12 hours use your knife by placing it under one of the slits and peel the tomato, again the skin should come right off. The only con with freezing this is it will make it difficult to get the juice and seeds out, you would have to let it defrost first to move on to that step.
The third and final method is to simply peel them with a sharp knife making sure to only peel off the skin. This is the method I used to get the skin off and it worked fine for me.
If you just don’t want to be bothered with peeling tomatoes cause you ain’t got time fi dat, then just buy it in a can. I haven’t tried these but I definitely plan to do so in the future, I was walking through Whole Foods and saw these so I took a picture to share with my loves. Now what I would say is if you decide to go with the canned tomatoes, if they have salt in them that will alter the recipe and if you plan on adding the liquid from the can mix it with the water and make sure it measures out to be 3 1/2 cups of liquid.
I served this with Kribich nan Sòs (Shrimp in Sauce) and Banann Peze (fried plantains) .
This rice is really simple to recreate so I hope you give it a try. Watch me make Diri kole ak Pwa Kongo (Rice with pigeon peas) here:
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE
This post contains links that will direct you to Amazon. As an Amazon associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. All suggested products are from my own personal opinion, I have no affiliation with any of the brands.
Leave a Reply