Vegan Black Eyed Pea Recipe for Easy Healthy Meals

Black eyed peas have long been a staple in many cultures for their hearty texture and rich, earthy flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a traditional holiday or just looking for a nutritious and comforting meal, this vegan black eyed pea recipe is a perfect choice.

Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and vibrant seasonings, it’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. This recipe brings together simple ingredients that transform into a flavorful dish that even non-vegans will love.

Easy to make and versatile, this dish can be enjoyed as a main course or a side. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and perfect for meal prep.

If you’re new to cooking with black eyed peas or looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. Let’s dive into how you can create this wholesome, tasty meal at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan black eyed pea recipe stands out because it’s:

• Nutritious: Black eyed peas are loaded with protein, fiber, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium.
• Flavorful: The medley of spices and fresh vegetables creates a rich, savory profile that’s deeply satisfying.
• Easy to customize: Add your favorite veggies or spice it up for extra heat.
• Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable fresh produce.
• Perfect for meal prep: Keeps well in the fridge and tastes even better the next day.

If you’re interested in other plant-based dishes, be sure to check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals for more inspiration.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black eyed peas (or 2 cups canned, rinsed and drained)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (red or green), diced
• 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups chopped kale or spinach
• Fresh parsley for garnish
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Equipment

• Large bowl (for soaking dried peas)
• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander (if using canned peas)

Instructions

1. Prepare the black eyed peas: If using dried peas, rinse them thoroughly and soak overnight in cold water. Drain before cooking. If using canned, rinse and drain well.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
3. Add spices: Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, ground cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), and dried thyme. Stir well to coat the vegetables and release the spices’ aroma.
4. Add black eyed peas and tomatoes: Add the soaked (or canned) black eyed peas along with the diced tomatoes. Stir to combine.
5. Pour in vegetable broth: Add the broth to the pot, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes if using dried peas (20 minutes if canned), stirring occasionally, until peas are tender.
6. Incorporate greens: Once the peas are tender, stir in the chopped kale or spinach. Cook uncovered for another 5-7 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
7. Season to taste: Add salt, black pepper, and lemon juice (if using). Adjust seasoning according to your preference.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

For a smoky depth, try adding a piece of smoked paprika or chipotle pepper while simmering.

• Use canned black eyed peas for a quick version, reducing cooking time significantly.
• Add diced sweet potatoes or carrots in step 4 for extra sweetness and texture.
• Try stirring in a splash of coconut milk at the end for a creamy twist.
• For a spicier dish, increase cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped jalapeños.
• Serve over rice or quinoa for a satisfying complete meal.

Looking for more vegan sauces to pair with your meals? Don’t miss our creamy Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Nutrition Facts

This recipe is not only rich in fiber and protein but also a great source of vitamins and minerals, making it a wholesome choice for your vegan meal plan.

Serving Suggestions

This vegan black eyed pea dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments:

• Serve over steamed brown rice or fluffy quinoa for a complete protein-packed meal.
• Enjoy with a side of sautéed greens or roasted vegetables.
• Top with sliced avocado and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for extra creaminess and flavor.
• Pair with warm, crusty bread or a soft flatbread to soak up the delicious broth.

For a delicious bread option, try baking your own with our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.

Conclusion

This vegan black eyed pea recipe is a delightful blend of hearty legumes, fresh vegetables, and warming spices that come together to create a nourishing and satisfying meal. Perfect for any season, it’s a dish that’s not only good for your body but also easy to prepare for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends.

The flexibility of this recipe allows you to customize it with your favorite veggies, spice levels, and serving styles. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy plant-based eating without compromising on flavor or nutrition.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring plant-based options, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t forget to explore more tasty vegan recipes on our site to keep your meals exciting and wholesome.

Happy cooking and bon appétit!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Vegan Black Eyed Pea Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful vegan dish featuring tender black eyed peas simmered with vegetables and spices. Perfect as a main or side for a nutritious meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup dried black eyed peas”, “4 cups vegetable broth”, “1 medium onion, diced”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 medium tomato, diced”, “1 green bell pepper, chopped”, “1 tsp smoked paprika”, “1/2 tsp ground cumin”, “1/4 tsp cayenne pepper”, “1 tbsp olive oil”, “Salt to taste”, “Fresh parsley for garnish”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Rinse and soak black eyed peas for 4 hours or overnight.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Drain peas and add to a pot with vegetable broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes until tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pan, saut\u00e9 onion, garlic, bell pepper until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced tomato, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne, and salt; cook 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir cooked vegetables into black eyed peas and simmer 5 more minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “220 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “13 g”, “fatContent”: “5 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “32 g”}}