Ingredients
3 cups parboiled rice
1cup uncooked split peas
8 pieces pigtail (soaked for approx. 1 hr) (Optional)
2lbs Beef (Cubed) (Also Optional, omit all meat if you are Vegan)
1 large onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, peeled and halved
Fresh seasoning – chive, thyme, shadon beni, chopped finely
Large pinch of black pepper
1 oz butter

Instructions
Wash rice and set aside.
Wash peas and put to cook in water over meduim high heat with pig tail and garlic until peas can be crushed but not too soft.
Brown Beef
Add chopped onion, chives, thyme etc. which has been cut up finely and also black pepper.
After approx. 5-10 minutes add rice and butter, turn down heat, cover pot. When water has been absorbed (say 5 minutes) stir and add a little water covering tightly. Turn heat to low and let rice simmer until cooked approx. 15 minutes. You may add a little water the 2nd time if required.
Fluff the rice with a fork and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve.