Caribbean Rice And Peas

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This makes a one dish meal, and is very versatile. you can use turkey kielbasa to lower the fat content, or any smoked sausage. for the greens, you can substitute your favorite...use spinach, collard, or turnip greens. This recipe is from the food network magazine.

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Steps

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Combine the black-eyed peas , 3 cups water and a pinch of salt in a small pot.

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Cover and bring to a boil.

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Meanwhile , heat the olive oil in a large , deep skillet over medium heat.

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Add the sausage and cook until golden , about 2 minutes.

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Add the scallion whites , celery , garlic , jalapeno , jerk seasoning and a generous pinch of salt.

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Cook until the vegetables brown , about 5 minutes.

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Add the thyme and tomato paste and cook , stirring occasionally , until the tomato paste turns brick red , about 2 more minutes.

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Add the rice , bay leaves , and the black-eyed peas with their liquid to the skillet and bring to a boil.

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Do not stir.

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Add the collards.

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Cover , reduce the heat to low and simmer undisturbed until most of the liquid is absorbed , about 50 minutes.

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Set aside for 10 minutes.

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Remove and discard the bay leaves.

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Just before serving , add the scallion greens and fluff with a fork.

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Ingredients

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frozen black-eyed peas, water, kosher salt, extra virgin olive oil, smoked sausage, scallion, celery ribs, garlic cloves, jalapeno, caribbean jerk seasoning, thyme, tomato paste, basmati rice, bay leaves, collard greens