Black-eyed peas, a staple of the American South, have gained popularity worldwide due to their versatility. They are phenomenal in stews, soups, fritters, burgers, and hummus. Besides being absolutely delicious, they are a vital source of vegan protein, containing potassium, vitamin A, and minerals like calcium and iron.

Here are 10 delicious vegetarian black-eyed pea recipes that will provide you with a hearty meal:

Spicy Chipotle Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

Welcome to a culinary journey that will take you through the creation of a spicy, flavorful, and unique dish—the Spicy Chipotle Black-Eyed Pea Hummus. This is not just a recipe, but a celebration of flavors that will make your taste buds dance. Let’s dive into the world of this easy party favorite with a spicy twist on classic hummus. Composed of chipotle peppers, onions, and garlic, hints of lemon juice and tahini add just the right amount of flavor. The red wine vinegar packs a punch, making this a dinner party favorite.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful hummus:

  • 1 ⅔ cup cooked black-eyed peas (or 15 ounce canned, organic, rinsed/drained)
  • 1 green onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled (about 1 teaspoon minced)
  • ¼ cup tahini
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1 tbsp. lemon or lime juice
  • Sea salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ tbsp. red wine vinegar
  • Extra onion or red pepper flakes to garnish.

Preparation

Follow these steps to create your hummus:

  1. Rinse and cool your peas. Peel and chop your veggies.
  2. Place your peas, onion, garlic, tahini, olive oil, and peppers in a food processor or blender.
  3. Blend until combined.
  4. Add in your spices, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and vinegar. Blend again until creamy.
  5. Taste to see if the hummus is seasoned to your liking. If not, add more spices, salt, or pepper.
  6. Remove from the food processor and place in a serving bowl or container.
  7. Garnish with extra onion and red pepper flakes.
  8. If not serving right away, keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Tips and Variations

If the hummus is too spicy, try adding more tahini. It will be thinner in texture, though. If you want to use real chipotle peppers, I recommend adding one pepper at a time when blending, just so you can adjust the spice accordingly.

Nutritional Information

It’s worth noting that black-eyed peas are high in fiber, iron, and zinc. They are a form of resistant starch once cooked and cooled, which is beneficial for gut health.

This spicy chipotle black-eyed pea hummus is not only a delicious and healthy choice but also a conversation starter at your next gathering. Enjoy the process of creating it and the compliments you’ll receive when you serve it!

Black-Eyed Peas and Kale Chili

Introducing a delicious and nutritious twist on classic chili: black eyed peas and kale chili. This dish combines the hearty texture of black-eyed peas with the nutritious benefits of kale, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal. The blend of spices, garlic, and onion adds depth and flavor, making this chili a perfect choice for a cozy dinner or a healthy lunch.

Ingredients

To make this delightful chili, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Poblano chili, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, finely chopped
  • 1 15-ounce can diced tomatoes
  • 3-4 cups fresh kale, chopped
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons agave
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation

Follow these steps to create your Black Eyed Peas and Kale Chili:

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a soup pan.
  2. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until the onions are lightly browned (about 3-4 minutes).
  3. Add the chopped poblanos and jalapeño, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the chilis are tender.
  4. Stir in the black-eyed peas, tomatoes with their juice, ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper, stock, and water.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
  6. Add the Dijon mustard and agave, stirring well and cooking for 1 minute.
  7. Stir in the chopped kale and simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the greens are wilted.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this healthy and flavorful Black Eyed Peas and Kale Chili with some toasted bread, flatbread, or steamed rice. You can also enjoy it as a hearty soup if you want to cut down on your carb intake. Pair it with cornbread, scones, or breadsticks for a satisfying meal.

This Black Eyed Peas and Kale Chili is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for those who want to enjoy a hearty meal while maintaining a healthy diet. Give it a try and savor the unique combination of flavors and textures in this delightful dish!

Stewed Black Eyed Peas

Black-eyed peas, a humble legume, have found their way into the culinary traditions of various cultures around the globe. From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean and Africa, these peas are stewed into hearty, flavorful dishes that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. Let’s embark on a culinary journey exploring three distinct styles of stewed black-eyed peas: Greek Style, Trinidadian Style, and African Style.

Greek Style Stewed Black Eyed Peas

In Greece, black-eyed peas are transformed into a vegetarian stew bursting with bold flavors and loaded with veggies. This dish is a part of the Greek Lathera food category, which is known for its generous use of olive oil and seasonal vegetables.

Ingredients:

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Carrots & Tomatoes
  • Seasoning: Dry bay leaves, oregano, cumin, paprika, and optional red pepper flakes
  • Lime or lemon juice
  • Black-Eyed Peas

The Greek style stew is a one-pot dish that starts with sautéing onions, garlic, bell peppers, and carrots in olive oil. The black-eyed peas are then added along with diced tomatoes, water, and a mix of Greek spices. The stew is simmered until the peas are tender and the flavors meld together. A squeeze of lime or lemon juice is added at the end to brighten the flavors.

Trinidadian Style Stewed Black Eyed Peas

In Trinidad, black-eyed peas are stewed with a unique blend of herbs and spices, and a touch of caramelized sugar. The addition of coconut milk gives the stew a rich, creamy texture.

Ingredients:

  • Black-eyed peas
  • Onion, garlic, celery, thyme, parsley, and chadon beni (culantro)
  • Sugar
  • Water or broth
  • Coconut milk
  • Tomato paste
  • Pimento pepper
  • Salt

The Trinidadian style stew starts with caramelizing sugar in a deep pot. The black-eyed peas, onions, and chopped herbs are then added and cooked for a few minutes. The mixture is transferred to a pressure cooker, where water and coconut milk are added. The stew is pressure cooked until the peas are soft, then tomato paste and salt are added for additional flavor.

African Style Stewed Black Eyed Peas (Red Red)

In Africa, particularly in Ghana, black-eyed peas are stewed into a dish known as Red Red. This simple tomato stew is named for the combination of red palm oil and tomato sauce used in its preparation.

Ingredients:

  • Black-eyed peas
  • Palm or Canola oil
  • Onion, ginger, garlic
  • Tomatoes
  • Tomato paste
  • Paprika
  • Crayfish (optional)
  • Stock/water
  • Bouillon powder (optional)
  • Green onions
  • Salt and pepper
  • Habanero pepper (optional)

The African style stew begins with sautéing onions in oil, followed by the addition of tomatoes, tomato paste, ginger, garlic, paprika, and bouillon powder. Crayfish is added for a touch of smokiness, and then the cooked black-eyed peas are added along with stock or water. The stew is simmered until the flavors are well combined.

Brazilian Black Eyed Fritters

Acaraje is a Brazilian street food inspired by the African akaras. These fritters are airy and fluffy on the inside and a bit crispy on the outside, giving it dimension and extra texture. They taste the absolute best when hot .

Black Eyed Pea Burgers With Sugar-Free BBQ

Crafted from black-eyed peas, oats, and buckwheat flour, these southern flair burgers are hearty and filling. When served with smoky, sugar-free barbecue sauce and the option of vegan cheese, you’ll forget you’re chowing down on something totally healthy .

Rosemary Black Eyed Pea Soup With Kale

This dish spends most of its cooking time in a pressure cooker, making it an effortless and quick-to-make dinner option. It has plenty of protein, bean variety, and strong, fresh flavors. The sauteed onions, chopped kale, and mushrooms are mixed with coconut milk, water, and fresh rosemary for the ultimate soup combination .

Black-Eyed Pea Collard Wraps With Pickled Vegetables and Ginger-Peanut Sauce

These colorful pickled vegetables and black-eyed peas are wrapped in a green collard leaf and drizzled with peanut sauce. They make the perfect appetizer for a summer party .

Instant Pot Texas Black-Eyed Peas Caviar

This dish contains jalapenos, fresh cilantro, corn kernels, and black-eyed peas that can be served chilled and scooped with pita chips or tortilla chips .

Saffron Barley With Black-Eyed Peas

This lush and delicate dish is a fantastic dinner option when you’re craving something flavorful but simple. In under an hour, you can have this colorful entree ready to eat in front of you. Garnish with ground black pepper and bell pepper for added flavors .

Smoky Black-Eyed Peas

This easy, one-pot recipe is full of healthy veggies and plenty of fiber. The peas are joined by a protein-filled combination of carrots, onions, and smoked paprika. It works as a dinner stew or a side dish for late lunches .

These 10 delicious vegetarian black-eyed peas recipes are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. They are perfect for those who want to enjoy a hearty meal while maintaining a healthy diet. So, why wait? Start cooking and enjoy these delicious recipes today!