Vegan Black Eyed Peas Recipe
This Vegan Black Eyed Peas recipe is a hearty and flavorful plant-based dish featuring tender black eyed peas simmered in a savory tomato sauce with aromatic spices. Perfectly seasoned with oregano, garlic, and a hint of cayenne for a mild kick, it’s an ideal nutritious meal served with crusty bread or rice.
- Author: Jeannette
- Prep Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, American Southern-inspired
- Diet: Vegan
Beans and Soaking
- 1 1/2 cup (270g) dry black eyed peas
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Cooking
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3/4 – 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon pink salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 can (15oz/425g) tomato sauce
- 2 cups water or vegetable stock
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- Soak the Beans: In a colander, wash the black eyed peas thoroughly with cold water. Place them in a deep bowl and cover them with 3-4 inches of cold water. Stir in the baking soda, then cover the bowl and allow the beans to soak for 3 hours. This helps soften the beans and reduces cooking time.
- Drain and Rinse: After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them well under cold water. Set aside the rinsed beans for cooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant, which develops the base flavor of the dish.
- Add Liquids and Spices: Stir in the tomato sauce, water or vegetable stock, oregano, pink salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and tomato paste into the pot. Mix well to combine the flavors.
- Add Beans and Boil: Add the soaked and rinsed black eyed peas to the pot. Stir thoroughly, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure there is enough liquid. Stir as needed to prevent sticking.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the beans and adjust the salt or spices if needed. Serve the vegan black eyed peas hot alongside crusty bread, pita bread, or white rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Soaking the beans with baking soda helps soften them and can reduce cooking times significantly.
- You can substitute water with vegetable stock for a richer flavor.
- Cayenne pepper is optional; adjust according to your spice preference.
- Be sure to check liquid levels during simmering to prevent the beans from drying out or sticking.
- This dish keeps well for leftovers and tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
Keywords: vegan black eyed peas, plant-based beans recipe, vegan southern dish, tomato sauce beans, easy vegan recipes