Hearty Southern Black-Eyed Peas and Sweet Potato Delight
On a chilly day, nothing warms the soul like a steaming bowl of this Hearty Southern Black-Eyed Peas and Sweet Potato Delight. This beloved stew, affectionately called 'Keisha's Mom's Stew' by my friends, has become a cherished recipe that embodies the essence of comfort food. Combining the nutty richness of black-eyed peas with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes and a medley of aromatic ingredients, this delightful stew is perfect for crisp fall evenings. Enhanced by fresh herbs and spices, each bite is filled with flavor and heartiness, making it a staple in any household. Share this dish with family and friends, and enjoy its heartwarming goodness.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried black-eyed peas
2 cups (Rinsed and drained)
Sweet potatoes
2 large (Peeled and cut into small chunks)
Fresh tomatoes
3 medium (Peeled and cut into small chunks (or use 1 can of stewed tomatoes))
Fresh garlic
3 cloves (Chopped)
Red onion
1/2 large (Chopped)
Fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (Chopped)
Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Old Bay Seasoning or Mrs. Dash seasoning mix
1 teaspoon (Seasoning)
Red pepper or creole seasoning
1/2-1 teaspoon (To taste)
Whole celery seeds or chopped celery
1/2 teaspoon or 1-2 stalks (Whole or chopped with leaves)
Salt and pepper
To taste (Seasoning)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the dried black-eyed peas in a colander under cold water to clean them thoroughly. Drain well.
2
In a 3-quart pot, add the rinsed black-eyed peas and pour in enough water to cover the beans by about two inches.
3
Bring the pot to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the peas are tender but not mushy.
4
Once the black-eyed peas are cooked, keep the pot on low heat. Stir in the chopped red onion, garlic, parsley, and celery (if using) along with the cinnamon, Old Bay Seasoning (or Mrs. Dash), red pepper (or creole seasoning), and celery seeds.
5
Next, add the chopped tomatoes and sweet potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to cook for another 15 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
6
For additional flavor, consider incorporating variations such as canned corn, chopped red bell peppers, or a touch of spicy peppers. Adding a splash of olive oil or a dash of vinegar can elevate the dish even further.
7
Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving. This stew is fantastic served over brown rice with a side of comforting cornbread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this southern dish?
The dish is called Hearty Southern Black-Eyed Peas and Sweet Potato Delight, often referred to as 'Keisha's Mom's Stew'.
What are the primary ingredients in this stew?
The main ingredients include dried black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes, fresh tomatoes, garlic, red onion, and fresh parsley.
Is this black-eyed pea recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like legumes, vegetables, and herbs without any animal products.
How long do the dried black-eyed peas need to simmer?
The black-eyed peas should simmer for approximately 30 minutes until they are tender but not mushy.
How should I prepare the black-eyed peas before cooking?
Rinse the dried black-eyed peas in a colander under cold water and drain them thoroughly before adding them to the pot.
What size pot is recommended for this recipe?
A 3-quart pot is recommended for boiling the peas and simmering the stew.
How much water should I use to cook the peas?
You should pour in enough water to cover the black-eyed peas by about two inches.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can substitute three medium fresh tomatoes with one can of stewed tomatoes.
How should the sweet potatoes be prepared?
The sweet potatoes should be peeled and cut into small, bite-sized chunks.
What seasonings provide the base flavor for this stew?
The flavor comes from garlic, red onion, parsley, cinnamon, celery seeds, and either Old Bay or Mrs. Dash seasoning.
How do I know when the sweet potatoes are fully cooked?
The sweet potatoes are done when they are fork-tender, which usually takes about 15 minutes of cooking.
Is there a specific spice that adds warmth to this dish?
Yes, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon is added to provide a subtle nutty richness and warmth.
What can I use if I don't have Old Bay Seasoning?
You can use Mrs. Dash seasoning mix as an alternative to Old Bay.
Can I use fresh celery instead of celery seeds?
Yes, you can substitute the celery seeds with 1 to 2 stalks of chopped fresh celery including the leaves.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for three cloves of fresh chopped garlic.
What type of onion works best for this stew?
Half of a large red onion, chopped, is used for its flavor and color.
How can I make the stew spicier?
You can use red pepper or creole seasoning, or even add fresh spicy peppers to increase the heat.
What are some suggested vegetable variations?
You can add canned corn, chopped red bell peppers, or other seasonal vegetables for extra variety.
What is the best way to serve this stew?
It is best served hot over a bowl of brown rice with a side of cornbread.
Can I add oil or vinegar to the recipe?
Yes, a splash of olive oil or a dash of vinegar can be added at the end to elevate and brighten the flavors.
Is this a good recipe for the fall season?
Absolutely, it is highlighted as a perfect dish for crisp fall evenings and chilly days.
How many fresh tomatoes do I need?
The recipe requires three medium fresh tomatoes, peeled and cut into chunks.
Should the black-eyed peas be mushy?
No, the peas should be cooked until tender but still hold their shape without becoming mushy.
What is the initial cooking step for the peas?
Bring the pot of water and peas to a rolling boil over high heat before reducing to a simmer.
When should I add the spices and aromatics?
Add the onion, garlic, parsley, celery, and dry spices once the black-eyed peas have finished their initial 30-minute simmer.
Is this considered a healthy meal?
Yes, it is a nutrient-dense meal featuring high-fiber legumes and vitamin-rich sweet potatoes.
How much parsley should I use?
The recipe calls for three tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
Can I use creole seasoning?
Yes, creole seasoning can be used in place of red pepper for a different flavor profile.
What do I do if I want a more savory flavor?
You can adjust the salt and pepper to taste or add a bit more of the seasoning mixes provided in the ingredients list.
Does this recipe require a lot of prep work?
The prep involves standard chopping and rinsing, making it a relatively easy and straightforward recipe to follow.