Rice With Black-Eyed Peas
A flavorful and hearty rice dish featuring black-eyed peas, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, perfect for a satisfying vegetarian or meat-eater's meal with bold spices.
Ingredients
- 2 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 2 garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 1 c. long grain rice, uncooked ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. dried crushed red pepper or ground cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 (15 oz.) can black-eyed peas, drained ⓘ
- 1 c. fresh chopped tomatoes
- 1/4 c. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute onion and garlic in oil; stir in rice and red pepper, cooking 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add chicken broth; bring to a boil and simmer 25 minutes until rice is tender.
- Stir in peas and chopped tomatoes; cook 1 minute until thoroughly heated.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in parsley and sprinkle with pepper.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth or using brown rice for a nuttier taste, though cooking times may vary. To enhance the dish, try adding a bay leaf while simmering the broth. If you prefer a creamier texture, a splash of coconut milk can be a delightful addition. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also elevate the dish's flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Rice With Black-Eyed Peas alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Cheezy Vegetable Chowder for a comforting dinner. Consider adding a side salad or cornbread to round out the meal, making it perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out, and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; just thaw and reheat as mentioned.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice With Black-Eyed Peas contains roughly 688 calories, with 26g protein, 132g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (173% of the Daily Value), iron (77% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (73% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 748mg per serving (33% 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 another type of bean instead of black-eyed peas?
Yes, you can substitute black-eyed peas with other beans like kidney beans or pinto beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse them if using canned beans. Adjust cooking time slightly if using dried beans to ensure they are tender before mixing them into the rice.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The rest of the ingredients are already vegetarian-friendly. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
What can I do if the rice is undercooked?
If the rice is undercooked, add a little more broth or water, cover, and simmer on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes. Check periodically to avoid burning. If necessary, you can also add a splash of water and microwave it in short intervals until fully cooked.
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).