Peas And Bread
A hearty savory casserole combining peas, cheese, and ground meat with a flavorful cornmeal crust, perfect for a comforting family dinner or potluck gathering.
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp baking soda ⓘ
- 1 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 cup cornmeal ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/2 cup oil ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb Cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 can black-eyed peas, drained slightly ⓘ
- 1 can green chilies ⓘ
- 1 small can cream-style corn ⓘ
- 1 lb ground meat, browned with onions and drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Add baking soda to buttermilk and set aside.
- Mix cornmeal, flour, salt, eggs, oil, and the buttermilk mixture until well combined.
- Add drained black-eyed peas, green chilies, cream-style corn, browned ground meat with onions, and most of the grated Cheddar cheese (reserve a small amount for topping) into the batter and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a well-greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Sprinkle the remaining grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked paprika or cumin when mixing the batter. If you're out of buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Make sure to drain the black-eyed peas well to avoid excess moisture in the dish. This recipe is a great way to use leftovers, and you can even add in some cooked vegetables for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions for a pop of color. This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or some crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a creamy dip like Microwave Mornay Sauce or a refreshing yogurt sauce to balance the richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the portion in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, but the oven will help keep the texture nice and crispy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peas And Bread contains roughly 778 calories, with 31g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (63% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (50% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1756mg per serving (76% 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 make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground meat and you can enhance the dish with additional vegetables or beans. This would keep the recipe in line with vegetarian recipes while still being hearty and satisfying.
What can I use instead of Cheddar cheese?
If you're looking for a different cheese, Monterey Jack or Gouda are excellent substitutes. They melt well and offer a different flavor profile. You can also use a dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free option.
How do I know when the dish is done baking?
The dish is done when it is golden on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on it during the last few minutes.
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).