Quick Fix: Jamaican jerk chicken is quick, spicy

Spicy Jamaican jerk seasoning adds zing to this quick chicken dish.

"Jerking" is an old Jamaican method for preserving and cooking meat. It is thought to have been invented by the Arawac Indians.

Today, the men who prepare the meat are called "jerk men." They use a long process involving marinating the meat and then slowly cooking it over a pimento (allspice) wood fire.

I use jerk seasoning from the spice section of the supermarket to create the jerk flavors.

Pigeon Peas and Rice complete this Jamaican dinner. Pigeon peas are small round legumes also called no-eyed peas about the size of regular peas and can be bought either frozen or canned.

Tips: Frozen peas can be used instead of pigeon peas. Add them to the rice a few minutes before it is finished cooking. Jerk seasoning can be found in the spice section of the supermarket. Diced onion can be found in the produce section of the supermarket. Frozen diced/chopped onion can be used. Minced garlic can be found in the produce section of the supermarket.

• JAMAICAN JERK CHICKEN

3⁄4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 tablespoon jerk seasoning

2 teaspoons canola oil

Procedure

Remove visible fat from chicken. Sprinkle chicken with jerk seasoning, pressing it into the flesh. Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté five minutes. Turn and sauté four to five minutes. A meat thermometer should read 165 degrees. Makes two servings.

• PIGEON PEAS AND RICE

2 teaspoons canola oil

1⁄4 cup diced/chopped onion

1 teaspoon minced garlic

3 tablespoons tomato sauce

1 cup rinsed and drained pigeon peas

1⁄2 cup long-grain white rice

1 cup water

2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Procedure

Heat oil in a saucepan over medium high heat. Add onion and sauté one to two minutes. Add garlic and tomato sauce and mix well. Add the peas, rice and water. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook 15 minutes. Rice will be cooked and the liquid absorbed. Makes two servings.