Trinidadian Pelau with Chicken

Maya Feller, M.S., RD, CDN, of Brooklyn-based Maya Feller Nutrition, recommends this cost-conscious recipe to clients looking to prepare satisfying, nutritious meals at home. "Pelau is a hearty dish that can be prepared in big batches and enjoyed over time," she says. (This recipe was part of a feature story, "The Real Cost of Healthy Food," in EatingWell magazine and has not been tested by our Test Kitchen.)

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless chicken thighs with skin, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces and patted dry
  • 1 (14 ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped carrots
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 ½ cups cups cooked long-grain brown rice
  • 1 (15 ounce) can pigeon peas, drained