Savory Black-Eyed Peas with Spiced Mushrooms
This savory black-eyed peas dish melds the earthy flavors of mushrooms with aromatic spices, creating a comforting and richly flavored stew. Perfect for a nutritious meal, this recipe combines tender black-eyed peas and hearty mushrooms, simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce. Whether serving up a satisfying weeknight dinner or a flavorful addition to any spread, this dish will surely delight your taste buds.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
black-eyed peas
1 3/4 cups (soaked (or 1 16 oz. bag, frozen))
water
5 cups
mushrooms
1/2 lb (sliced)
oil
6 tablespoons
cumin seed
1 tablespoon
cinnamon stick
1 inch
onions
1 1/2 medium (chopped)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (retain juice (or 4 tomatoes, chopped))
ground coriander
1 teaspoon
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
turmeric
2 teaspoons
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon
salt
2 teaspoons
black pepper
to taste (optional)
cilantro
3 tablespoons (chopped, optional)
Instructions
1
Place the black-eyed peas and water into a large, covered pot and bring to a boil over high heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the peas simmer for two minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and let them steep for one hour (or 30 minutes if using frozen peas).
3
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the cumin seeds and cinnamon stick, allowing them to sizzle and release their aroma for a few seconds.
4
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Fry the mixture until the onions become translucent and begin to brown at the edges.
5
Stir in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they start to soften, about 4-5 minutes.
6
Add the canned diced tomatoes with their juice (or fresh tomatoes, if using), and sprinkle in the ground coriander, ground cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
7
Mix well, cover, and let the sauce simmer for ten minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
8
After the sauce has simmered, remove it from the heat and set aside.
9
Bring the black-eyed peas back to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
10
Combine the cooked sauce with the peas, incorporate the salt, and optionally add black pepper. Stir in fresh cilantro if desired.
11
Let the mixture simmer uncovered on low heat for another 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
12
Before serving, remove the cinnamon stick. Enjoy your savory black-eyed peas with spiced mushrooms warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Black-Eyed Peas with Spiced Mushrooms?
It is a comforting stew that combines earthy mushrooms with black-eyed peas in a fragrant, spiced tomato sauce.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, this recipe is vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients like oil, vegetables, and legumes.
Is this dish vegetarian?
Yes, it is entirely vegetarian.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
How do I prepare the black-eyed peas?
Boil them for two minutes in a covered pot, then remove from heat and let them steep for one hour.
Can I use frozen black-eyed peas?
Yes, you can use a 16 oz bag of frozen black-eyed peas; reduce the initial steeping time to 30 minutes.
Can I substitute canned tomatoes with fresh ones?
Yes, you can use 4 chopped fresh tomatoes instead of one 15-ounce can.
What kind of mushrooms are used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of sliced mushrooms; any standard variety like cremini or white button works well.
Should I remove the cinnamon stick?
Yes, remember to remove the cinnamon stick before serving the dish.
How much water do I need to cook the peas?
You will need 5 cups of water for the initial cooking of the black-eyed peas.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a noticeable kick due to the 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, though it remains balanced.
What aromatic spices are included?
The dish features cumin seeds, a cinnamon stick, ground coriander, turmeric, and cayenne pepper.
Is cilantro mandatory?
No, the 3 tablespoons of chopped cilantro are optional and can be used to garnish the dish.
How long should the sauce simmer on its own?
The tomato and mushroom sauce should simmer for about ten minutes to let the flavors meld.
How long do the peas take to become tender?
After the steeping process, the peas usually take an additional 20 to 30 minutes of simmering to become tender.
How long is the final simmering stage?
Once combined, the mixture should simmer uncovered on low heat for another 30 minutes.
Can I add black pepper?
Yes, black pepper can be added to taste at the same time as the salt.
What style of cuisine is this?
This recipe is inspired by Indian cuisine, using traditional spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 4 minced garlic cloves for a flavorful base.
How much oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 6 tablespoons of oil to fry the seeds and aromatics.
What is the main source of protein in this dish?
The black-eyed peas serve as the primary plant-based protein source.
How should the onions be prepared?
Use 1 1/2 medium onions, chopped and fried until they are translucent and browning at the edges.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, high-fiber meal suitable for a nutritious diet.
What do I do with the whole cumin seeds?
Sizzle the cumin seeds in hot oil for a few seconds at the start to release their aroma.
Should I keep the juice from the canned tomatoes?
Yes, keep and use the juice from the 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes in the sauce.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, the earthy mushrooms and rich spices make it a very comforting and savory dish.
How often should I stir during the final simmer?
Stir the mixture occasionally during the final 30 minutes to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom.
How many distinct ingredients are in this recipe?
There are exactly 16 ingredients used to create this dish.
How much turmeric is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of turmeric for color and earthy flavor.
How should I serve this dish?
It is best served warm, either as a main course for a weeknight dinner or as part of a larger spread.