Bermuda peas n’ rice: The most Traditional Bermudian Side dish
Made with black eye peas, fresh herbs, butter and onions, Bermuda peas n’ rice will have you reaching back in the pot for more.
You can’t have summertime in Bermuda without rice n’ peas or as some call it, Hop n’ John. You would usually cook it with bacon or sausage but some, like my family always cook the vegetarian version as not everyone eats pork.
Bermuda Peas N’ Rice also comes golden brown to dark brown, depending on your family preference. My nana comes from an area called Bailey’s bay where they are known to cook their rice dark, however my mom is from the city area and cooks hers lighter.
What do Bermudians eat with Peas n Rice
I remember growing up we used to eat Peas n’ Rice on its own with butter and seasoning salt. During Lunchtime it’s eaten with a local Bermuda fish sandwich or fishcake on a bun. For dinner it is served alongside Baked or BBQ chicken, steamed pumpkin and Vegetables.
Here is Fried Sea bass with Bermuda peas n’ rice, and veg
Tips on Making Bermudian Peas n’ Rice
The full recipe is below but here are a few tips I use when making Peas n’ Rice.
- Boil peas in seasoned water – I find boiling the black eye peas in fresh thyme, stock and seasonings enhances the flavor of the peas. The water will also be seasoned and ready to flavor the rice once it has been added.
- Saute onions separately – sauteed onions in butter adds another layer of flavor to your pot of rice. Once the rice is cooked add your sauteed onions to the mixture for more flavor.
- Cook low and slow – No-one wants soggy rice. I don’t measure my rice to water ratio normally, however if you need to eyeball it, the water should be no more than 1 inch higher than the rice (the tip of your finger).
How to make Bermuda Peas n’ Rice
AuthorsefordCategoryAwesome sides, Bermudian dishes, rice dishDifficultyBeginnerMade with black eye peas, fresh herbs, butter and onions, Bermuda peas n' rice will have you reaching back in the pot for more.
To a large pot add the black eye peas, fresh sprigs of thyme, whole garlic cloves, vegetable or chicken cubes (or stock), seasonings and Water. Cook peas on medium heat until they are tender.
In a separate pan, saute onions in butter then put to the side for later.
After your peas have softened, add 1-2 tablespoons of butter, the browning seasoning, the washed rice and sauteed onions. Ensure the water is at least 1 inch higher than your rice (add more water if needed), cover and let cook on a lower setting until liquid has evaporated an rice is tender.
To note, If the rice is still moist don't worry, remove from the heat and let it continue to steam with the lid on.
To finish, serve with Fried or grilled fish and vegetables.
Ingredients
Directions
To a large pot add the black eye peas, fresh sprigs of thyme, whole garlic cloves, vegetable or chicken cubes (or stock), seasonings and Water. Cook peas on medium heat until they are tender.
In a separate pan, saute onions in butter then put to the side for later.
After your peas have softened, add 1-2 tablespoons of butter, the browning seasoning, the washed rice and sauteed onions. Ensure the water is at least 1 inch higher than your rice (add more water if needed), cover and let cook on a lower setting until liquid has evaporated an rice is tender.
To note, If the rice is still moist don't worry, remove from the heat and let it continue to steam with the lid on.
To finish, serve with Fried or grilled fish and vegetables.
Drop a comment blow and let me know what you think. If you decide to make any of my recipes leave me a comment or tag me on Instagram @myeagereats or hashtag #myeatereats .
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May I ask when exactly you are supposed to add the water please?
Hello! thanks for asking! Add the water to the black eye peas in the beginning. If you are using Liquid stock you can omit the water or add half the amount. I’ve updated the directions a bit so I hope it sound clearer. Let me know if you have any more questions!
I lived in Bermuda for 10 years- in a house on Link Lane, Baileys’ Bay- right off North Shore road, about a 5 minute scooter ride from The Swizzle Inn. I guess telling you the house was pink and had a white roof wouldn’t help you pick it out. 😉
Thank you so much for the recipe- I’ve been missing my peas n’ rice something fierce.
Wow its so great to hear such vivid memories of Bermuda. My family lives in that area! Thank You so much for reminding me of how memorable our little island is.