Pigeon pea is a popular legume that has been used for centuries in many dishes throughout India, Africa, and South America. This simple yet tasty legume is packed with protein and vital minerals and is often combined with other ingredients to make delicious main dishes. Here are five dishes where pigeon pea is the star of the show:
1. Moong Dal Tadka: This classic Indian dish combines cooked pigeon pea with spices like cumin and coriander powder, garlic and ginger, tomatoes, and a tadka (tempering) of mustard seeds, curry leaves, red chillies, and asafoetida. It’s a tasty dish that can be served with rice or roti.
2. Mexican Frijoles Charros: This favorite Mexican stew combines cooked pigeon pea with pork, bacon, onions, garlic, tomatoes, jalapenos, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. It’s a hearty dish perfect for cold winter days.
3. Ethiopian Green Split Pea Stew: This traditional Ethiopian stew is packed with flavor and nutrition thanks to the combination of split pigeon peas, onions, garlic, tomatoes, green peppers, chili peppers, cumin, turmeric, cloves, and cardamom. It’s often served with Ethiopian flatbread.
4. Jamaican Rice and Peas: This classic Caribbean dish combines cooked pigeon peas in coconut milk with thyme, scallion, garlic, green onion, red pepper, and allspice. Serve this flavorful dish with white or brown rice for a delicious meal.
5. Senegalese Maafe: This spicy stew is a favorite in Senegal and combines cooked pigeon pea with tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, cayenne pepper, peanut butter, and a variety of African spices. Serve with boiled yams or cassava for a delicious meal.