Peas and Rice

Ingredients

 * ¼ lb salt pork, chopped
 * 1 tbsp vegetable oil
 * 1 onion, chopped
 * ½ cup green bell pepper, chopped
 * 1 stalk of celery, chopped
 * 2 tomatoes, fresh, chopped
 * 2 tbsp tomato paste
 * 2 tsp thyme
 * 2 cayenne chiles, stems and seeds removed or substitute 1 habanero pepper
 * 2 cup rice
 * ½ cup pigeon peas
 * 1 qt chicken broth
 * salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

 * 1) Fry the salt pork to render the fat. Add the oil, onion, bell pepper, and celery and saute until soft.
 * 2) Stir in the tomato paste, thyme and chile and simmer for 15 minutes.
 * 3) Add the rice, peas, and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 35 minutes.