Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas

Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas Recipe - Flavorful Vegetarian Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. This recipe combines the traditional flavors of Cajun cuisine with the wholesome goodness of black-eyed peas.

History

Black-eyed peas have been a staple in Southern cuisine for centuries, with their origins dating back to Africa. The Cajun seasoning in this recipe adds a spicy kick that is characteristic of Louisiana cooking.

Ingredients

1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp vegetable oil
2 stalks celery, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme (or 0.5 tsp dried), chopped
1 tsp fresh oregano (or 0.5 tsp dried), chopped
1 tbsp fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried), chopped
0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp cajun seasoning (or more to taste)
red pepper to taste
1 x 14.5 oz (411 g) can diced tomatoes
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp dijon mustard
1 x 16 oz (454 g) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
cooked white or brown rice

How to prepare

In a large skillet, sauté the onions, garlic, and bell pepper in oil over medium heat.
Add chopped celery and continue to sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add thyme, basil, oregano, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, and red pepper to taste.
Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until the onions are golden, stirring occasionally.
Add tomatoes, honey, and mustard and simmer for 5 more minutes.
Add the peas, cover, and stir occasionally until thoroughly heated.
Serve over rice.

Variations

For a vegetarian version of this dish, omit the Cajun seasoning and add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. You can also add diced tofu or tempeh for added protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of this dish, be sure to sauté the vegetables until they are golden brown. This will help to caramelize the sugars in the onions and peppers, adding depth to the dish. Additionally, be sure to season the dish to taste with Cajun seasoning and red pepper for a spicy kick.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas over cooked white or brown rice for a complete meal. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or green onions for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Sautéing the vegetables before adding the black-eyed peas helps to develop the flavors in this dish. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute canned black-eyed peas with dried black-eyed peas that have been soaked overnight and cooked until tender. You can also use kidney beans or chickpeas as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. Pair with a glass of sweet tea or a cold beer for a refreshing drink.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas contains approximately 8 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains mustard and may not be suitable for those with mustard allergies.

Summary

Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas is a nutritious dish that is high in fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy meal at home. This recipe combines the flavors of Cajun cuisine with the wholesome goodness of black-eyed peas for a satisfying and flavorful dish.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in Louisiana. Margaret was known for her incredible Cajun cooking, and that day, she decided to teach me one of her favorite recipes.

We started by gathering all the ingredients we needed: black-eyed peas, bacon, onions, bell peppers, celery, garlic, and of course, a variety of Cajun spices. As we chopped and sautéed, Margaret shared with me the story behind this dish.

She told me that Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas were a staple in her family for generations. The recipe had been passed down from her great-grandmother, who learned it from a French Creole neighbor. It was a dish that brought comfort and warmth to her family during hard times.

As we cooked, Margaret shared with me the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to let the flavors meld together. She taught me how to season the peas just right, so they were perfectly spiced without being overpowering.

I watched as Margaret stirred the pot with love and care, adding a little bit of this and a little bit of that until the flavors were just right. She explained that the key to a delicious Cajun dish was patience and attention to detail.

After a few hours of simmering, the black-eyed peas were ready. Margaret served them up in a big, steaming skillet, and we sat down to enjoy our meal together. The peas were rich and flavorful, with a hint of smokiness from the bacon and a kick of spice from the Cajun seasoning.

As we ate, Margaret regaled me with stories of her family and their love for this dish. She told me about the gatherings and celebrations that always included a big pot of Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas. It was a dish that brought people together and created lasting memories.

After that day, I knew that I had to bring this recipe home with me. I asked Margaret for a copy of the recipe, and she happily obliged. I made a few tweaks here and there to suit my own taste, but the essence of the dish remained the same.

Now, whenever I make Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas, I think of Margaret and our time together in Louisiana. I remember the warmth of the kitchen, the smell of the spices, and the taste of that delicious dish. It's a recipe that has become a part of my own family's traditions, a dish that brings us together and reminds us of the importance of love, family, and good food.

So whenever I cook up a batch of Cajun Skillet Black-eyed Peas, I think of Margaret and her family, and I am grateful for the recipe that she shared with me. It's a dish that brings joy and comfort to all who taste it, and I am proud to carry on the tradition of this beloved Cajun recipe.