If you're searching for a heartwarming dish that embodies the essence of Southern comfort food, look no further than this delightful Black Eyed Peas Stew! Packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also promises to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a cozy night in, this stew is a must-try. Get ready to dive into a bowl of goodness that’s rich in tradition and bursting with flavor—your perfect meal awaits!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup black eyed peas
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the black eyed peas thoroughly under cold running water, removing any small stones or debris. Drain well and set aside.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and add the rinsed black eyed peas. Sprinkle dried thyme, salt, and pepper into the mixture.
- Bring the stew to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let simmer gently for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the peas for tenderness. They should be soft but not mushy. If needed, continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as required.
- Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot in deep bowls, optionally garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions.
Tips
- Rinse and Sort: Always rinse your black-eyed peas thoroughly to remove any debris or stones. This ensures a clean and tasty stew.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t skip the sautéing step! Cooking the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery before adding the broth enhances the stew's flavor profile significantly.
- Simmer Gently: Allow the stew to simmer gently; this helps the peas cook evenly and absorb all the delicious flavors from the broth and herbs.
- Check for Tenderness: Keep an eye on the peas during cooking. They should be tender but not mushy—perfectly cooked peas will hold their shape and add texture to the stew.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your stew before serving! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking for the best flavor experience.
- Let It Rest: Allow the stew to sit for about 5 minutes after cooking. This resting period lets the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Garnish for Freshness: Consider garnishing your stew with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions before serving. It adds a pop of color and a burst of freshness!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
