Black eyed pea stew

Craving a meal that’s both comforting and packed with nutrients? Look no further than this incredibly delicious black eyed pea stew recipe! It’s super quick to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights, yet it feels like a gourmet experience. Every spoonful is bursting with flavor, from the smoky spices to the tender vegetables, and it’s naturally healthy to boot. For me, this stew is more than just food; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, reminiscent of the hearty meals my grandmother used to make, bringing a touch of home to every dinner table.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

For me, black eyed pea stew isn’t just another dish; it’s a taste of cherished memories. Growing up, New Year’s Day always meant a big pot of black eyed peas simmering on the stove. My grandma swore by them for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. While her recipe was a closely guarded secret, the comforting aroma and hearty flavor stuck with me. This black eyed pea stew recipe is my own take on that beloved tradition, infused with updated flavors and a touch of modern convenience. It’s a dish that brings people together, fills hungry bellies, and carries a whisper of hope for good things to come, just like those special New Year’s meals.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing black eyed pea stew:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 oz) can black eyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and satisfying black eyed pea stew:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add the rinsed and drained black eyed peas to the pot. Stir everything together.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded.
6. Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust spices as needed.
7. Ladle the black eyed pea stew into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy immediately!

Quick and Comforting Black Eyed Pea Stew

An incredibly delicious, healthy, and satisfying black eyed pea stew that’s quick to whip up for busy weeknights. Every spoonful is bursting with smoky spices and tender vegetables.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Dish, Soup, Stew

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

The Base and Aromatics

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion chopped
• 2 carrots peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced

The Stew Components

• 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, undrained
• 1 can black eyed peas 15 oz, rinsed and drained
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for a kick
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven

Method

 

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
   2 tbsp olive oil, 1 large yellow onion, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks
2. Add Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
   3 cloves garlic, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
3. Simmer Base: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
   1 can diced tomatoes, 4 cups vegetable broth
4. Add Peas: Add the rinsed and drained black eyed peas to the pot. Stir everything together.
   1 can black eyed peas
5. Cook: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer for **20-25 minutes**, or until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have fully melded.
6. Season: Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust spices as needed. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten all the flavors beautifully.
   Salt and black pepper
7. Serve: Ladle the black eyed pea stew into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy immediately!
   Fresh parsley

Notes

Expert Tip: Don’t skimp on the sautéing time for your aromatics (onion, carrots, celery). This step builds the foundational flavor of your stew, allowing the vegetables to sweeten and soften properly.

For an extra layer of smoky depth, consider adding a pinch of liquid smoke or a smoked ham hock to the stew while it simmers (remove the hock before serving if desired).

Expert Tips for Best Results

To truly elevate your black eyed pea stew, consider a few expert tips. Firstly, don’t skimp on the sautéing time for your aromatics (onion, carrots, celery). This step builds the foundational flavor of your stew, allowing the vegetables to sweeten and soften properly. A rich, deep color on your onions means more flavor development. Secondly, taste as you go! While the recipe provides guidelines, your palate is the best judge. Adjust the salt, pepper, and especially the cayenne if you like more or less heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end can brighten all the flavors beautifully. Finally, for an extra layer of smoky depth, consider adding a pinch of liquid smoke or a smoked ham hock to the stew while it simmers (remove the hock before serving if desired). These small adjustments can transform a good stew into an unforgettable one.

Serving Suggestions

Black eyed pea stew is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments. For a classic Southern touch, serve it alongside a generous slice of hot, buttery cornbread – perfect for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth. If you’re looking for something lighter, a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew. For an even more filling meal, consider serving it over a bed of fluffy white rice or quinoa. Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess and flavor. A dash of your favorite hot sauce on top can also add a pleasant kick. Don’t forget a garnish of fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Conclusion

This black eyed pea stew recipe offers a delicious, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting dish for a chilly evening, or a flavorful addition to your holiday spread, this stew delivers. Its simplicity belies its rich, complex flavors, making it a fantastic choice for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. By following these easy steps and incorporating a few expert tips, you can create a black eyed pea stew that will not only nourish your body but also warm your soul. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort and flavor that you’ll want to make again and again.