Stewed Peas
A hearty, flavorful stew featuring black-eyed peas, fragrant spices, and fresh herbs, perfect for comforting meals and suitable for vegetarians seeking a nutritious delight.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop or dice the onion and garlic, and cut the green pepper into large pieces.
- Put the chopped onion, garlic, green pepper, celery leaves or parsley leaves, and cloves into a pot.
- Saute the mixture in margarine until fragrant.
- Pour in the canned black-eyed peas with their juice.
- Season with curry powder, garlic powder, and black pepper to taste.
- Let the mixture simmer down, stirring periodically.
- Allow the water to dry out without burning the mixture.
- Remove the green pepper and celery leaves before serving.
- Serve over plain rice or separately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin to the sautéed vegetables. If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of curry powder. You can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones if necessary, but use less as dried herbs are more potent. Also, feel free to use canned chickpeas or kidney beans instead of black-eyed peas for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
This stewed peas dish pairs beautifully with plain rice or can be served alongside crusty bread for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it with a green salad or a side of Health Salad-Romania (Salata Sanatatea) to add freshness. It can also be enjoyed as a filling side dish at barbecues or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stewed Peas contains roughly 24 calories, with 0g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.
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 dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried black-eyed peas, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Soak them overnight, then boil until tender before adding them to the sautéed mixture. This will add more time to your preparation but can enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
What can I add for extra protein?
To boost the protein content, consider mixing in some cooked chicken, turkey, or even diced tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also incorporate cooked lentils or quinoa, which will complement the flavors while adding nutrition to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This stewed peas recipe is ideal for meal prep, as it stores well and flavors deepen after sitting. Prepare a large batch and divide it into individual servings for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just remember to store it properly to maintain freshness.
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).