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cook frozen black eyed peas

Quick Cook Frozen Black Eyed Peas Stew

A simple, quick, and highly nourishing stew using frozen black-eyed peas. It delivers a rich, smoky, and comforting flavor, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy meal without the fuss.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish, Stew
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Base and Aromatics
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
Peas and Liquid
  • 1 package frozen black-eyed peas 10-ounce, no need to thaw
  • 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5-ounce, undrained
  • 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)
Seasoning and Garnish
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a kick
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped, for garnish

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 and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes until fragrant.
    1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 red bell pepper
  2. Add Peas and Liquid: Add the frozen black-eyed peas directly to the pot. Stir well to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and vegetable broth.
    1 package frozen black-eyed peas, 1 can diced tomatoes, 3 cups vegetable broth
  3. Simmer: Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for **20-25 minutes**, or until the black-eyed peas are tender.
    1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  4. Season and Serve: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.
    Salt and freshly ground black pepper, Fresh parsley or cilantro

Notes

For a thicker stew, mash a small portion of the black-eyed peas against the side of the pot with a spoon before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the flavors.