If you’re looking for a quick, hearty, and nutritious meal that fits perfectly into a vegan lifestyle, canned black eyed peas are an excellent pantry staple to keep on hand. This humble legume is not only packed with protein and fiber but also brings a delightful earthy flavor and creamy texture to any dish.
Using canned black eyed peas simplifies the cooking process, making it easy to whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just experimenting with plant-based dishes, this recipe will become a go-to for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even a cozy weekend lunch.
In this blog post, I’ll guide you through a flavorful canned black eyed peas recipe that’s completely vegan, easy to make, and bursting with vibrant spices and fresh ingredients. From sautéing aromatics to layering in smoky spices, each step is designed to maximize flavor without any fuss.
Plus, I’ll share tips to customize the dish and ideas for serving it up in exciting ways. Let’s dive in and make this classic Southern-inspired comfort food your new favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This canned black eyed peas recipe is a winner for many reasons. First, it’s incredibly fast and convenient thanks to canned beans, perfect for busy days when you want something wholesome but don’t have time to soak and cook dried beans.
It’s also budget-friendly, using simple, affordable pantry staples.
The flavors are rich and soulful, combining garlic, onion, smoked paprika, and a touch of heat from cayenne pepper to make every bite satisfying. And of course, it’s 100% vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.
Best of all, this dish is versatile – enjoy it as a main course with rice or quinoa, or as a hearty side for your favorite vegan mains. It’s comfort food that feels indulgent without any guilt!
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Serving bowl
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft.
- Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), and dried thyme. Stir well to coat the onion and garlic with the spices. Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
- Add black eyed peas: Pour in the drained and rinsed black eyed peas, stirring to combine everything evenly.
- Pour the broth: Add the vegetable broth to the skillet, stirring gently. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. This will help the flavors meld and the liquid reduce slightly.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. If you want a touch of brightness, stir in the apple cider vinegar now.
- Finish and garnish: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh burst of color and flavor.
- Serve warm: Enjoy your canned black eyed peas as a main dish or side, paired with rice, cornbread, or your favorite vegan protein.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Rinsing canned black eyed peas thoroughly reduces excess sodium and improves flavor.
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste and pantry. For a smoky depth, add a splash of liquid smoke or smoked salt.
If you like it spicy, increase the cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeño along with the onion.
For extra veggies, stir in diced bell peppers, chopped kale, or spinach in the last 5 minutes of cooking. You can also add a can of diced tomatoes for a tangy twist.
If you want a creamier texture, mash some of the black eyed peas with the back of your spoon before serving. This creates a lovely thick consistency perfect for spreading on vegan toast or stuffing into wraps.
Looking for more vegan inspiration? Check out these delicious recipes: Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes, Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas, and Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Protein | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 28 g |
Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
Fat | 3.5 g |
Sodium | 320 mg (can be reduced by rinsing beans) |
Iron | 2.5 mg |
Vitamin C | 6% of Daily Value |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan black eyed peas dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over steamed brown rice or quinoa for a complete protein-packed meal.
It also pairs beautifully with sautéed greens like collard or mustard greens for a classic Southern-inspired plate.
For a soul food twist, spoon the black eyed peas over creamy vegan mashed potatoes or alongside cornbread. You can even use the mixture as a filling for soft tacos or burritos topped with avocado, fresh salsa, and shredded lettuce.
To keep things light, toss the black eyed peas with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing summer salad.
Conclusion
This canned black eyed peas recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that’s both wholesome and deeply satisfying. With its bold spices, comforting texture, and ease of preparation, it’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious vegan meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, you’ll appreciate how adaptable this recipe is. It offers plenty of room for creativity while remaining straightforward and approachable for cooks of all skill levels.
Keep canned black eyed peas in your pantry and try this recipe whenever you need a quick, delicious, and comforting plant-based meal.
For more tasty vegan recipes, be sure to explore Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves — happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Canned Black Eyed Peas Recipe Vegan
Description: A quick and flavorful vegan dish using canned black eyed peas, perfect for a nutritious meal. Packed with protein and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each) black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add diced bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
- Add black eyed peas and vegetable broth.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and black pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 28 g
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