Easy Vegetarian Black-Eyed Peas Stew

Looking for a simple and delicious way to cook black-eyed peas? Try this Easy Black-Eyed-Peas Recipe that is made with simple ingredients and is sure to impress your family and friends.

Black-Eyed-Peas on the spoon

This vegetarian Black-Eyed Peas stew is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozying up on a chilly day. The rich flavors and hearty texture make it filling and satisfying, providing warmth and nourishment in every bowl. Many cultures incorporate black-eyed peas into their cuisine, often associated with good luck and prosperity. Making this stew can connect you to those traditions while enjoying a delicious meal. 

One of the best aspects of this black-eyed peas recipe is its versatility. You can easily tailor the recipe to include your favorite vegetables or spices. Feel free to add carrots, potatoes, zucchini, or even greens like spinach or kale for extra nutrition and variety. 

  • Black-eyed peas. Dried, we’ll soak them overnight.
  • Veggies. Onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic. 
  • Oil. I like olive oil or avocado oil the most. 
  • Tomato paste. To add some sweetness.
  • Veggie broth. Or the broth of your choice. 
  • Spices. Paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, salt, and black pepper. 
  • Parsley. To garnish.
ingredients needed to cook Black-Eyed-Peas Recipe

1. Rinse the peas and discard any that are discolored or broken. Add the peas to a large pot, along with 6 cups of water, and soak overnight. 

soaking the beans

2. To a large pot add olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, red bell pepper, and garlic and sauté for 5-6 minutes until the onion is translucent and the vegetables softened.

cooking veggies in oil

3. At this point add the tomato paste, paprika oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, drained black-eyed peas, bay leaves, and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low and simmer for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. When the mixture is soft and a bit creamy, it is done.

cooking the Black-Eyed-Peas

4. Finally, add salt to taste, and stir well. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

finishing the dish
close up shot of Black-Eyed-Peas Recipe
  1. Add more veggies. Diced carrots, potatoes, or zucchini would make a nice addition here. 
  2. Add herbs. Dried or fresh thyme or rosemary would add a nice aroma to these black-eyed peas.
  3. Add greens. You can add spinach, kale, or collard greens to this recipe.
  4. Use your favorite broth. Beef bone broth, chicken broth, or veggie broth are all great. You can also use Better than Bouillon paste. It’s very good. 
  5. Add meat. You can add some bacon or ham in step 2 if desired.
  •  Use Dried Black-Eyed Peas. If you have the time, consider using dried black-eyed peas instead of canned ones. Soak them overnight and then cook until tender for an even richer flavor and texture.
  • Spice It Up. Experiment with spices! A pinch of cayenne, garam masala, or cumin can add warmth and depth. Adjust the spices to your taste for a bit of heat or smokiness.
  • Serve with Toppings. Consider serving the stew with toppings like chopped green onions, sour cream, fresh cilantro/parsley, cheese, corn, or avocado for added flavor and texture. 
  • Rice. I like to serve it over rice. Regular cooked white rice pairs well with this recipe. You can also try my Turmeric Rice, or Cilantro Lime Rice to elevate your meal to another level. 
  • Toppings. A great idea would be to add some toppings, like fresh herbs, sour cream, or hot sauce. 
  • Veggies. A serving of veggies on the side would definitely make a great fit here. Try my Fajita Veggies or Easy Baked Cabbage Steaks
  • Protein. This dish pairs well with steak or chicken. 
  • Bread. Nothing better than a slice of crusty bread or cornbread to serve these beans with.

Transfer the cooled stew into an airtight container. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Store it in the refrigerator and try to eat it within 3-5 days. This dish freezes well, so you can freeze leftovers too. Heat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. 

Black-Eyed-Peas in a bowl

Try this easy black-eyed peas recipe, friends. It’s easy to prepare, adaptable, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the wholesome goodness and comfort it brings!

If you make this recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, or drop an email. The printable recipe and nutrition information are located in the recipe card below. 

More tasty recipes with beans:

Easy Black-Eyed-Peas Recipe

Tania Sheff

Try this Easy Black-Eyed-Peas Recipe that is made with simple ingredients and is sure to impress your family and friends.

#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #ffa604; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #ffa604; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #ffa604; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #ffa604; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0.wprm-user-rating-allowed.wprm-user-rating-not-voted:not(.wprm-user-rating-voting) svg * { fill-opacity: 0.3; }

No ratings yet

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 525 kcal

Ingredients  

  • 1 lb. dried black-eyed peas
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil (or avocado oil)
  • 1 medium sweetonion, diced small
  • 2 medium celery ribs, diced small
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced small
  • 4 medium garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp. tomato paste
  • 1 tbsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp. oregano
  • ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes or to taste
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper or to taste
  • 3 medium bay leaves
  • 4 cups veggie broth
  • 1 tsp. sea salt or to taste
  • 3 tbsp. chopped parsley, to garnish

Instructions 

  • Rinse the peas and discard any that are discolored or broken. Add the peas to a large pot, along with 6 cups of water, and soak overnight. 

    1 lb. dried black-eyed peas

  • To a large pot add olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, red bell pepper, and garlic and sauté for 5-6 minutes until the onion is translucent and the vegetables softened.

    2 tbsp. olive oil (or avocado oil), 1 medium sweetonion, diced small, 2 medium celery ribs, diced small, 1 medium red bell pepper, diced small, 4 medium garlic cloves, minced

  • At this point add the tomato paste, paprika oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, drained black-eyed peas, bay leaves, and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a low and simmer for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. When the mixture is soft and a bit creamy, it is done.

    2 tbsp. tomato paste, 1 tbsp. smoked paprika, 1 tsp. oregano, ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes, ¼ tsp. black pepper, 3 medium bay leaves, 4 cups veggie broth

  • Finally, add salt to taste, and stir well. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

    1 tsp. sea salt, 3 tbsp. chopped parsley, to garnish

Notes

  1. Add more veggies. Diced carrots, potatoes, or zucchini would make a nice addition here. 
  2. Add herbs. Dried or fresh thyme or rosemary would add a nice aroma to these black-eyed peas.
  3. Add greens. You can add spinach, kale, or collard greens to this recipe.
  4. Use your favorite broth. Beef bone broth, chicken broth, or veggie broth are all great. You can also use Better than Bouillon paste. It’s very good. 
  5. Add meat. You can add some bacon or ham in step 2 if desired.

Transfer the cooled stew into an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator and try to eat it within 3-5 days.  Heat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until heated through. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency. 

Nutrition

Calories: 525kcalCarbohydrates: 86gProtein: 29gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 1533mgPotassium: 1733mgFiber: 16gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 4565IUVitamin C: 62mgCalcium: 206mgIron: 12mg

Tried this recipe?Leave a comment below, I can’t wait to hear from you!