Mexican Peas
Mexican Peas is a hearty, flavorful dish combining dried peas, sausage, and spices, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings with bold, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the dried peas and soak them in water 2 inches above the peas overnight.
- Brown the sausage until crumbled in a skillet.
- Add chopped onion to the sausage and cook until tender.
- Drain the sausage and onion mixture.
- Drain the soaked peas.
- Stir the drained peas, sausage mixture, and remaining ingredients into a pot.
- Bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, adding water if needed.
Tips & Substitutions
For a quicker option, consider using canned peas instead of dried, but reduce the cooking time. You can substitute the sausage with ground turkey for a lighter dish, or use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference, and adding a squeeze of lime can enhance the flavors. This recipe pairs nicely with cornbread or rice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mexican Peas hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs excellently with cornbread or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside rice or tortilla chips. This dish is a great addition to any gathering, similar to other hearty Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture, or microwave in short intervals until heated through. This dish also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Peas contains roughly 384 calories, with 16g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (140% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and iron (37% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 582mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen peas instead of dried?
Yes, you can use frozen peas for this recipe. If using frozen, reduce the cooking time to about 30 minutes instead of 1 1/2 hours, as they are already cooked. Just add them in during the last 30 minutes of simmering to ensure they heat through without becoming mushy.
Is this dish very spicy?
The spice level of this dish can be adjusted by varying the amount of chili powder used. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with a smaller amount and taste as you go. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or avocado to help cool it down if it’s spicier than expected.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini. Just chop them into small pieces and add them to the pot along with the onions for a boost of nutrition and flavor. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your taste.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).