Peas and Shrimp

Peas and Shrimp Recipe from Democratic Republic of Congo

Region / culture: Democratic Republic of Congo | Preparation time: overnight | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Peas and shrimp is a delicious and hearty dish that combines the sweetness of peas with the savory flavors of shrimp and ham. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion.

History

This recipe has its roots in Southern cuisine, where peas are a staple ingredient in many dishes. The addition of shrimp and ham adds a unique twist to this classic recipe, creating a dish that is both comforting and flavorful.

Ingredients

1.5 cups dried black-eyed peas
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
0.75 cup palm oil or salad oil
0.5 cup finely minced onion
2 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
0.75 cup raw shrimp, cut into 0.5 inch cubes
1 cup ham, cut into 0.5 inch cubes
0.25 cup fresh tomato sauce, or canned tomato sauce
2 tsp finely chopped hot red pepper, or to taste (optional)
2.5 tbsp shrimp powder

How to prepare

Place the peas in a mixing bowl and add enough cold water to cover them by one inch. Allow the peas to soak overnight. Drain the peas and add fresh cold water to cover them. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer the peas until they are tender, which should take about 45 minutes to an hour. The peas should be moist but not too watery.
While the peas are cooking, heat oil in a skillet and add the onion and garlic. Cook briefly, stirring, until the onion becomes translucent.
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, add the ham and tomato sauce. Continue cooking and stirring for about 10 more minutes. Finally, stir in the remaining ingredients.
Add the sauce mixture to the cooked peas. Serve the dish hot.

Variations

Substitute chicken or sausage for the shrimp for a different flavor profile.
Add diced bell peppers or celery for extra crunch and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to soak the peas overnight to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.

- Adjust the amount of hot red pepper to suit your taste preferences.

- Make sure to stir the shrimp and ham mixture frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve peas and shrimp over rice or with a side of cornbread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Soaking the peas overnight helps them cook evenly and become tender.

- Stirring frequently while cooking the shrimp and ham mixture ensures even cooking.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried for a quicker cooking time.

- Substitute vegetable oil for salad oil if needed.

Make Ahead Tips

This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving for a convenient meal option.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve peas and shrimp with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

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 peas and shrimp contains approximately 350 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal.

Carbohydrates

The black-eyed peas in this recipe are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day.

Fats

The salad oil used in this recipe adds a healthy dose of fats, which are essential for overall health and wellbeing.

Proteins

Shrimp and ham are both excellent sources of protein, which is important for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the tomato sauce and iron from the black-eyed peas.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and may not be suitable for those with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a well-rounded meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Peas and shrimp is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the flavors of peas, shrimp, and ham for a hearty meal. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this recipe is a nutritious and flavorful option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Peas and Shrimp. It was many years ago when I was a young girl living in a small coastal town. My family lived near the beach, and my father was a fisherman. We always had an abundance of fresh seafood at our disposal, and my mother was a fantastic cook who knew how to make the most delicious dishes with whatever ingredients we had on hand.

One day, my mother's friend, Mrs. Jenkins, came over for a visit. Mrs. Jenkins was known in our town for her culinary skills, and she always had a new recipe to share. On this particular day, she brought over a dish she called "Peas and Shrimp." I had never heard of such a combination before, but as soon as I took my first bite, I was hooked.

The dish was simple yet flavorful - sweet peas cooked with succulent shrimp in a savory sauce made with garlic, onions, and a splash of white wine. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying. I begged Mrs. Jenkins for the recipe, and she was kind enough to write it down for me.

From that day on, Peas and Shrimp became a staple in our household. My mother would make it for special occasions or whenever we had guests over, and it always received rave reviews. As I grew older, I took over the responsibility of making the dish, and I added my own twist to the recipe by incorporating fresh herbs from our garden.

Over the years, I continued to make Peas and Shrimp for my family and friends. It became a signature dish of mine, and I was known in our community for my delicious seafood creations. I always credited Mrs. Jenkins for introducing me to the recipe, and I often thought of her whenever I cooked it.

As time went on, I learned to make variations of the dish, adding different vegetables or spices to change up the flavors. Sometimes I would make a spicy version with jalapenos and cayenne pepper, or a creamy version with coconut milk and curry powder. Each iteration was a hit with my family, and I loved experimenting with new ingredients to create unique and exciting dishes.

Years passed, and my love for cooking only grew stronger. I continued to collect recipes from friends, family, and even strangers I met along the way. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, as it represented a memory or a moment in time that I never wanted to forget.

And so, whenever I make Peas and Shrimp, I am transported back to that day when Mrs. Jenkins first brought over the dish. I can still taste the sweet peas and succulent shrimp, and I can still hear the laughter and chatter of my family gathered around the table. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones and create lasting memories, and I am grateful for every recipe that has brought joy and nourishment to my life.