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Vegan Black Eyed Peas Recipe

4.9 from 145 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 3/41 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon pink salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/41/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 can (15oz/425g) tomato sauce
  • 2 cups water or vegetable stock
  • 2 Tablespoons tomato paste

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Drain and Rinse: After soaking, drain the beans and rinse them well under cold water. Set aside the rinsed beans for cooking.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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