Healthy Pelau - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons sugar (white or brown)
1 lb chicken breast
1 onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 cups pigeon peas, soaked overnight or 1 1/2 cups black-eyed peas
2 cups rice, uncooked (do not use instant rice)
4 cups water
2 cups squash, cubed any yellow squash will work
2 carrots, chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bunch scallions or 1 bunch green onion, chopped including the greens
1/4 cup ketchup

Preparation

Heat the oil in a heavy pot. Caramelize the sugar well. Add the chicken and stir to coat the chicken with caramel.
Reduce to medium heat. Add garlic & onion. Stir for 1 min until tender.
Add pigeon peas (drained), water and rice. Reduce to low, cover & simmer for 30 minutes.
Mix in remaining agreements, cover and cook until vegetables are tender, about 20 or 30 minutes.