So growing up in Jamaican we have a lot of proverbs. Some of the popular ones are “Wanti wanti cyaan getti, an’ getti getti noh wanti” or “Noh buy puss inna bag”. As children we heard them often. I don’t think we really questioned the origins and some of them are really way out there that you don’t even take it seriously.
Another thing we commonly heard was Ben Johnson Day. I don’t know the official origin but I know the general meaning behind it. Ben Johnson Day in Jamaica is every Thursday. The significance is the day before the end of the week when you’re low on money and food. On this day meals are humble as you “ Tun yuh han mek fashion” and create a meal with the little that you have.
Though this day represents small or humble meals that in no way means it’s not delicious and enjoyable. I believe some of these very meals gives us great comfort. Jamaicans are masters at making something out of nothing or making very little stretch. This meal does exactly that.
Stew Peas though traditionally has beef and or pigtail there are a few lower budget substitutions that are also delicious. You can use chicken foot or turkey as I have in this recipe. This recipe is affordable, not quick but easy, delicious and very filling. You can serve with rice or dumplings or boiled food such as yellow yam, boiled green banana or even boiled Irish or sweet potatoes.
Personally I love stew peas with white rice. I love white rice so that’s a good start but that pairing with the stew peas is impeccable. Just imagine the white rice soaking up the gravy from the stew, can you say delicious? because it really is.
Whether you love stew peas or are looking for low cost meals because you’re low on cash, this recipe works really well.
Let’s get cooking!
Stew Peas with Turkey neck and Spinners. Comfort is calling.
Course: EntréeDifficulty: Average2
servings10
minutes1
hour15
minutesIngredients
Turkey neck .370kg
Soy Sauce 1/2 tsp. (Pantry Item)
Garlic Salt 1tsp. (Pantry Item)
Salt 1/2 tsp. (Pantry Item)
All purpose seasoning 1/2 tsp. (Pantry Item)
Medium Scotch Bonnet sliced (Pantry Item)
Medium onion chopped (Pantry Item)
1 stalk scallion (Pantry Item)
2 Sprigs Thyme (Pantry Item)
Pimento, 8 (Pantry Item)
Red Peas 1/2 cup
Flour 3/4 cup (Pantry Item)
Water
Vegetable oil 2tbsp. (Pantry Item)
Garlic, 4 cloves (Pantry Item)
Onion Powder 1tsp. (Pantry Item)
Directions
- Wash turkey neck with water and vinegar or lime juice then drain. Season with soy sauce, garlic salt, pepper, all purpose, onion powder, onion and pimento. Mix well.
- Heat oil in a pressure cooker on medium high. Add turkey neck and sauté until brown. Add peas, 4 cups of water, scallion, thyme and garlic. Cover pot and pressure for 30 minutes.
- While the stew peas cooks prepare the spinners.
- Add flour to a bowl and mix with 1/2tsp. salt. Add small amounts of water (a tablespoon) to the flour at a time. Mix until the flour becomes doughy.
- With dry clean hands, knead the dough until smooth and fully formed, cover and set aside.
- When your pressure cooker has cooled open the pot and check that the peas are cooked. Bring to a boil then add spinners. Dust your hands with flour then pinch a coin sized piece of the dough and roll it in the palm of your hands by moving front to back consecutively. Add spinner to the pot and repeat this process until the dough is finished.
- Ensure the spinners are submerged in the stew.
- Cook for 20-25 minutes and the gravy is significantly reduced to the consistency of a stew.
- Salt and pepper to taste if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy.
Price Range: $500 JMD.(Price range based on type of supermarket, brand and season. Does not include Pantry Items and tax)
Eating in can be easy on the pocket yet just as fun and tasty as dining out. Enjoy!
Brawta: Red Peas. (Non pantry ingredients that are leftovers for future use.)