Black Eyed Peas Cabbage Recipe for a Healthy Meal

Updated On: October 13, 2025

Black eyed peas and cabbage come together in this hearty, nutritious recipe that’s perfect for any season. Combining the earthy, creamy texture of black eyed peas with the crisp, slightly sweet flavor of cabbage creates a balanced and satisfying dish that’s both delicious and wholesome.

This recipe is inspired by traditional Southern and soul food cuisines but with a fresh, healthy twist that makes it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting vegan meal or a side dish packed with fiber and vitamins, this black eyed peas cabbage recipe fits the bill. It’s simple to prepare, uses everyday ingredients, and can be customized with your favorite spices.

Plus, it’s gluten-free and plant-based, making it accessible to many dietary preferences. Ready to cook up a flavorful, nutritious dish that your whole family will love?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This black eyed peas cabbage recipe is a wonderful combination of taste, health, and convenience. Here’s why it stands out:

  • Nutritious & Filling: Black eyed peas are rich in protein and fiber, while cabbage provides essential vitamins like C and K.
  • Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these pantry staples already, making it easy to whip up anytime.
  • Versatile: Serve it as a main dish, side, or even toss it with rice or grains for a complete meal.
  • Flavorful: Aromatic spices, garlic, and onions infuse the dish with warmth and depth.
  • Great for Meal Prep: It tastes even better the next day and reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried black eyed peas (or 2 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 4 cups green cabbage, chopped (about half a medium head)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven for cooking the peas and cabbage
  • Colander or sieve for rinsing black eyed peas
  • Knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Bowl for soaking dried black eyed peas (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the black eyed peas: If using dried peas, rinse them thoroughly and soak in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse again before cooking.
  2. Cook the peas: In a large pot, add the soaked black eyed peas and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 40-50 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside. If using canned peas, simply drain and rinse.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add spices and tomato: Stir in smoked paprika, ground cumin, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices. Add the diced tomato and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Cook the cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage to the pot and stir well to combine. Pour in the vegetable broth, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still slightly crisp.
  6. Combine peas and cabbage: Add the cooked black eyed peas back into the pot with the cabbage. Stir gently to mix everything together. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let flavors meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro if desired. Serve warm as a main dish or side.

Tips & Variations

“For a smoky depth, try adding a small piece of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke to the dish.”

  • Make it vegan or vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegan. For added protein, toss in some cooked quinoa or brown rice.
  • Add veggies: Feel free to include diced carrots, bell peppers, or kale for extra nutrition and color.
  • Use canned black eyed peas: Great for a quicker version. Just reduce cooking time for cabbage and spices.
  • Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like heat.
  • Herbs: Swap parsley for thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 210 kcal
Protein 12 g
Carbohydrates 35 g
Dietary Fiber 10 g
Fat 5 g
Sodium 350 mg (varies with broth)
Vitamin C 45% DV
Iron 15% DV

Serving Suggestions

This black eyed peas cabbage dish pairs beautifully with various sides and meals. Here are some ways to enjoy it:

  • Serve alongside steamed rice or Brown Rice Recipe VegRecipesOfIndia: Easy & Healthy Meals for a hearty vegan meal.
  • Use it as a filling for wraps or burritos with fresh salsa and avocado.
  • Top with a dollop of vegan sour cream or yogurt for creaminess.
  • Enjoy as a side dish with grilled vegetables or baked tofu.
  • Incorporate it into your meal prep for lunches during the week.

Conclusion

This black eyed peas cabbage recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a nutritious, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to eat. The combination of tender black eyed peas with crisp, sautéed cabbage creates a balanced dish perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re new to cooking legumes or looking to add more plant-based meals to your routine, this recipe offers a simple, delicious solution.

With its rich flavors, health benefits, and versatility, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Don’t forget to explore other vegan recipes on the blog like Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping, Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious, and Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious to keep your culinary adventures exciting!

📖 Recipe Card: Black Eyed Peas Cabbage Recipe

Description: A hearty and nutritious dish combining tender black eyed peas with sautéed cabbage and spices. Perfect as a side or a light main meal.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried black eyed peas, soaked overnight
  • 4 cups chopped cabbage
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse soaked black eyed peas.
  2. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
  3. Sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
  4. Add black eyed peas, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper; stir well.
  5. Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
  6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. Add chopped cabbage and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes.
  8. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 220 | Protein: 12g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 35g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Black Eyed Peas Cabbage Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and nutritious dish combining tender black eyed peas with saut\u00e9ed cabbage and spices. Perfect as a side or a light main meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT30M”, “totalTime”: “PT45M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup dried black eyed peas, soaked overnight”, “4 cups chopped cabbage”, “1 medium onion, chopped”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon cumin powder”, “1/2 teaspoon black pepper”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “2 cups vegetable broth”, “1 tablespoon lemon juice”, “Fresh parsley for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain and rinse soaked black eyed peas.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Saut\u00e9 onions and garlic until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add black eyed peas, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper; stir well.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped cabbage and cook uncovered for another 10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220”, “proteinContent”: “12g”, “fatContent”: “5g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “35g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X