This rich and flavorful Southern Style Vegan Black Eyed Peas recipe offers a plant-based twist on a beloved classic, perfect for a cozy meal or a celebratory gathering. It’s a nourishing, budget-friendly dish packed with hearty ingredients and soulful flavors, making it an ideal choice for healthy eating. This recipe is an authentic and delicious way to enjoy a traditional Southern staple, appealing to both vegans and those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet.
Key Ingredients for Southern Style Vegan Black Eyed Peas
- 2 cups dried black-eyed peas: Soaked overnight (or use quick-soak method described below).
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Or any neutral cooking oil.
- 1 large yellow onion: Diced.
- 2 celery stalks: Diced.
- 1 large green bell pepper: Diced.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced.
- 6 cups vegetable broth: Low sodium preferred.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes: Undrained.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: For that essential smoky flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Enhances the aromatic profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: (Optional) For a touch of heat, adjust to your preference.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds depth to the flavor.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and fresh flavor.
- Hot sauce: (Optional) For serving.
How to Make Southern Style Vegan Black Eyed Peas
This Southern Style Vegan Black Eyed Peas recipe is surprisingly easy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying, proving that comfort food can be both wholesome and packed with flavor. Its rich, smoky broth and tender peas create a truly comforting experience, delivering a taste of tradition in every spoonful. With a preparation time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes, you’ll have a heartwarming meal ready for your table.
● Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas: If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse them thoroughly. Overnight Soak Method: Place peas in a large bowl, cover with at least 4 inches of cold water, and let soak for 8-12 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking. Quick Soak Method: Place peas in a large pot, cover with water (at least 3 inches above the peas), bring to a rolling boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained black-eyed peas to the pot, along with the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and bay leaf. Stir everything together.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 60-75 minutes, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The cooking time may vary depending on how long your peas were cooked initially.
- Season and Serve: Once the peas are tender, remove the bay leaf. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the peas are too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve with a dash of hot sauce if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Style Vegan Black Eyed Peas
You’ll absolutely adore this Southern Style Vegan Black Eyed Peas recipe for its incredible depth of flavor and comforting appeal. The star of the show is undeniably the rich, smoky broth, infused with paprika and aromatic vegetables, giving these peas a soulful taste that will transport you straight to the heart of Southern cuisine. It’s a remarkable way to enjoy a traditional dish without dairy or animal products, proving that vegan meals can be just as satisfying and bursting with flavor as their conventional counterparts.
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Beyond its deliciousness, making this black-eyed pea dish at home is a fantastic way to save money, offering a hearty and nutritious meal that’s far more economical than dining out. The simple, wholesome ingredients transform into something truly extraordinary, and with toppings like fresh parsley or a dash of hot sauce, each bite becomes an adventure of taste and texture. If you love a hearty chili, this is a must-try with a similar comforting embrace but a distinct Southern flair. Don’t wait—gather your ingredients and experience this comforting, flavor-packed dish tonight!
What to Serve Southern Style Vegan Black Eyed Peas With
This Southern Style Vegan Black Eyed Peas dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. For a classic Southern combination, serve it alongside a generous slice of warm vegan cornbread – perfect for dipping into that rich, smoky broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast and a burst of freshness.
For a heartier meal, consider serving it with steamed collard greens or mustard greens, which complement the earthy flavors of the peas beautifully. A side of fluffy brown rice or quinoa can also turn this into a more substantial dish. And don’t forget the hot sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick!
Top Tips for Perfecting Southern Style Vegan Black Eyed Peas
- Soaking is Key: While often stated as optional, properly soaking dried black-eyed peas significantly reduces cooking time and helps create a more tender, creamy texture. If you forget to soak overnight, use the quick-soak method outlined in the recipe.
- Building Flavor Layers: Don’t rush the sautéing of the “holy trinity” (onion, celery, bell pepper) and garlic. This step is crucial for developing the foundational flavors of the dish. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Smoked Paprika Power: Smoked paprika is what gives this dish its characteristic Southern “smoky” flavor without the need for meat. Don’t substitute with regular paprika; the smoky variety is essential.
- Adjust Spiciness: The cayenne pepper is optional. If you prefer a milder dish, omit it. For more heat, you can add a pinch more to taste or serve with extra hot sauce on the side.
- Don’t Overcook: While black-eyed peas need to be tender, be careful not to overcook them into a mush. Start checking for tenderness around the 60-minute mark. They should be firm but yield easily when pressed.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, and any other seasonings as needed. The broth will concentrate flavors as it simmers.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Collard Greens: For an even richer, more traditional flavor, you can stir in 2 cups of chopped fresh collard greens during the last 20-30 minutes of simmering.
- Other Vegetables: Feel free to add diced carrots, sweet potatoes, or even finely chopped mushrooms for extra depth and nutrition.
- Broth: If you don’t have vegetable broth, water with a bouillon cube will work, but broth offers more flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Southern Style Vegan Black Eyed Peas are fantastic for meal prepping as they tend to taste even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to meld.
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover black-eyed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the peas have cooled completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation.
- Freezing: For longer storage, this dish freezes beautifully. Portion cooled black-eyed peas into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of headspace if using containers, as liquids expand when frozen. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- From Refrigerator: Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to thin it out if it has thickened too much.
- From Freezer: For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stovetop. If reheating from frozen, transfer to a pot, add a bit of liquid, and heat gently over low heat, stirring frequently, until thawed and heated through. Avoid high heat as it can scorch the bottom.
- Optimal Taste: To maintain optimal taste and texture, avoid repeatedly freezing and thawing. Only reheat the portion you intend to eat.
Final Thoughts
This Southern Style Vegan Black Eyed Peas recipe is a heartwarming and incredibly flavorful dish that truly celebrates the richness of plant-based cooking. It’s an inviting, comforting meal that’s both healthy and budget-friendly, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on a cozy night in. We encourage you to whip up a batch and experience the delicious taste of tradition reimagined—you won’t be disappointed!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Southern Style Vegan Black Eyed Peas FAQs
Q1: Do I have to soak black-eyed peas?
A1: While not strictly mandatory for all types, soaking dried black-eyed peas (preferably overnight or using the quick-soak method) significantly reduces cooking time and helps them cook more evenly, resulting in a creamier texture. Unsoaked peas will take longer to cook.
Q2: Can I make this dish in a slow cooker or instant pot?
A2: Yes! For a slow cooker, sauté the aromatics on the stovetop then add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until peas are tender. For an Instant Pot, sauté aromatics using the sauté function, then add all ingredients, set to high pressure for 15-20 minutes, and let natural release for 10 minutes before quick releasing.
Q3: How can I make this dish spicier?
A3: To increase the heat, you can add more cayenne pepper, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce while cooking. Serving with extra hot sauce on the side also allows individual customization.
Q4: What gives this dish its “smoky” flavor without meat?
A4: The key ingredient for the smoky flavor is smoked paprika. It imparts a deep, savory, and smoky essence that is characteristic of traditional Southern black-eyed peas, without any animal products.
Q5: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A5: Absolutely! This recipe is very adaptable. Diced carrots, sweet potatoes, or even corn would make excellent additions. Stir them in along with the peas and broth, adjusting cooking times as needed to ensure all vegetables are tender.
Southern Style Vegan Black Eyed Peas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas: If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse them thoroughly. Overnight Soak Method: Place peas in a large bowl, cover with at least 4 inches of cold water, and let soak for 8-12 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking. Quick Soak Method: Place peas in a large pot, cover with water (at least 3 inches above the peas), bring to a rolling boil, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.2 cups dried black-eyed peas
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper. Sauté for 7-10 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 large yellow onion, 2 celery stalks, 1 large green bell pepper
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.4 cloves garlic, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Combine Ingredients: Add the drained black-eyed peas to the pot, along with the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and bay leaf. Stir everything together.2 cups dried black-eyed peas, 6 cups vegetable broth, 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, 1 bay leaf
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 60-75 minutes, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The cooking time may vary depending on how long your peas were cooked initially.
- Season and Serve: Once the peas are tender, remove the bay leaf. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If the peas are too thick, you can add a little more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.1 bay leaf, Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve with a dash of hot sauce if desired.1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, Hot sauce