Stewed Black-Eyed Peas
Stewed Black-Eyed Peas Recipe from Ghana - Vegetarian Dish
Introduction
Stewed Black-Eyed Peas is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe is easy to make and full of flavor, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
History
Black-eyed peas have been a staple in African and Southern cuisine for centuries. They are often associated with good luck and prosperity, and are commonly eaten on New Year's Day in the Southern United States. Stewed black-eyed peas are a popular dish in many African countries, where they are often served with a variety of spices and seasonings.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp grated onions
- 2 15 oz (425 g) cans black-eyed peas
- 0.5 cup cooking oil, or palm oil
- salt and sugar to taste
- 1 small 6 oz (170 g) can tomato sauce
- 1 level teaspoon paprika
How to prepare
- In a saucepan, sauté onions in oil until tender.
- Add tomato sauce, paprika, and beans. Mash some of the beans while stirring to thicken the stew.
- Add salt. If desired, stir in sugar.
- Serve warm over Tatale or Kelewele.
- Serves 4 to 6.
- Cooking time: 20 minutes.
Variations
- Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Stir in cooked bacon or ham for added flavor.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water for a richer taste.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to sauté the onions until they are tender to bring out their flavor.
- Mash some of the beans while stirring to thicken the stew and create a creamy texture.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to taste, depending on your preference for sweetness.
- Serve the stew warm over Tatale or Kelewele for a traditional African meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stewed black-eyed peas over rice or with a side of cornbread for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for added flavor and color.
Cooking Techniques
Sauté the onions until tender before adding the other ingredients to build flavor.
- Mash some of the beans while stirring to thicken the stew and create a creamy texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use olive oil or vegetable oil instead of palm oil.
- Substitute canned diced tomatoes for the tomato sauce.
Make Ahead Tips
This stewed black-eyed peas recipe 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
Serve the stewed black-eyed peas in individual bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs. - Arrange the dish on a platter with a side of rice and cornbread for a beautiful presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve the stewed black-eyed peas with a side of collard greens or okra for a traditional Southern meal.
- Pair with a glass of sweet tea or lemonade for a refreshing beverage.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
200
Carbohydrates
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 6g
- Sugars: 4g
Fats
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
Proteins
- Protein: 6g
Vitamins and minerals
Vitamin A: 10%
- Vitamin C: 8%
- Iron: 15%
- Calcium: 4%
Alergens
This recipe contains no common allergens.
Summary
This stewed black-eyed peas recipe is a good source of fiber, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
Stewed Black-Eyed Peas is a classic dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. This recipe is a great option for a comforting meal that is nutritious and satisfying. Serve warm over Tatale or Kelewele for a traditional African meal that is sure to please. Enjoy!
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for stewed black-eyed peas. It was handed down to me by my own grandmother, who learned it from her mother before her. The recipe had been in our family for generations, and it was a cherished tradition to make it on special occasions.
I can still picture my grandmother standing in her cozy kitchen, her hands moving deftly as she measured out the ingredients and stirred the pot. The aroma of the peas simmering on the stove filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I watched her with wide eyes, eager to learn the secrets of this delicious dish.
As she worked, my grandmother regaled me with stories of how she had first learned to make stewed black-eyed peas. She told me that the recipe had been passed down from her own grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago. The friend had been a skilled cook, known for her ability to transform simple ingredients into mouth-watering dishes that left everyone clamoring for more.
My grandmother recalled how, as a young girl, she had watched in awe as her grandmother and her friend worked together in the kitchen, their laughter mingling with the enticing scents wafting from the stove. She had begged them to teach her their secrets, and they had obliged, patiently guiding her through each step of the recipe until she had mastered it herself.
I listened with rapt attention as my grandmother shared these memories with me, feeling a deep connection to the past and to the women who had come before us. I knew that I was not just learning a recipe; I was learning a piece of my family's history, a tradition that had been handed down through the generations.
After my grandmother had finished cooking, we sat down together at the table to enjoy the stewed black-eyed peas. The flavors were rich and comforting, the perfect blend of spices and seasonings that had been carefully passed down from mother to daughter. As I savored each bite, I felt a sense of gratitude for the love and care that had gone into creating this dish, a reminder of the strong bonds that tied us together as a family.
Over the years, I have continued to make stewed black-eyed peas using the same recipe that my grandmother taught me. I have shared it with my own children and grandchildren, passing on the tradition that has been such an important part of our family for generations. Each time I make the dish, I feel a sense of connection to the past, to the women who came before me and who have left their mark on my life in so many ways.
As I stir the pot and inhale the familiar aroma of the peas simmering on the stove, I can't help but smile as I think of my grandmother and the legacy she has left behind. The recipe for stewed black-eyed peas is more than just a collection of ingredients; it is a story, a memory, a piece of my family's history that I will continue to cherish and pass on for years to come. And with each delicious mouthful, I am reminded of the love and tradition that binds us together, now and always.
Categories
| Black-eyed Pea Recipes | Ghanaian Recipes | Ghanaian Vegetarian | Palm Oil Recipes | Vegetarian Recipes |