Soulful Vegetarian Black-Eyed Peas & Rice Medley
This Soulful Vegetarian Black-Eyed Peas & Rice Medley is inspired by the cherished family recipe of Rhoda Weekes, a revered cook in her community. This dish brings together the earthy flavors of black-eyed peas, aromatic herbs, and perfectly cooked long-grain rice. It is a tribute to love and tradition that transforms simple ingredients into a hearty and satisfying meal. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners, this nutritious dish also showcases the delightful textures and flavors of fresh vegetables, ensuring that every bite warms your soul. Whether served with a side of cornbread or enjoyed on its own, this recipe is bound to become a beloved addition to your kitchen.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
black-eyed peas
1 cup (washed and drained)
water
4 cups (n/a)
vegetable bouillon cubes
3 small (n/a)
garlic cloves
2 whole (crushed)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (n/a)
cilantro
1 tablespoon (minced)
parsley
1 tablespoon (minced)
salt
1 teaspoon (optional)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (n/a)
onion
1 large (chopped)
scallions
2 medium (chopped)
thyme leaves
1 teaspoon (dried)
tomato
1 large (chopped)
long-grain rice
1 cup (uncooked)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed black-eyed peas with 4 cups of water. Add the vegetable bouillon cubes and crushed garlic cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
2
Once boiling, reduce the heat and add the vegetable oil, minced cilantro, minced parsley, optional salt, and pepper. Stir well, cover tightly, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
3
After 15 minutes, introduce the chopped onion, scallions, dried thyme, and chopped tomato to the pot. Stir to combine, cover again, and simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the peas are tender but not mushy.
4
Now, stir in the uncooked long-grain rice. Ensure the rice is evenly distributed, cover the pot again, and continue to cook until both the rice and black-eyed peas are fully tender. Remove the pot from heat but let it sit covered for an additional 10 minutes to allow the rice to steam perfectly.
5
Fluff the dish gently with a fork before serving, and enjoy the rich flavors of this comforting vegetarian meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Soulful Vegetarian Black-Eyed Peas & Rice Medley?
It is a flavorful dish combining black-eyed peas, aromatic herbs, and long-grain rice, inspired by a traditional family recipe.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the cherished family recipe of Rhoda Weekes, a revered cook in her community.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is entirely vegetarian, utilizing vegetable bouillon and fresh vegetables.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include black-eyed peas, long-grain rice, vegetable bouillon, garlic, and various fresh herbs and vegetables.
How much water is needed to cook the peas?
You will need 4 cups of water to combine with the black-eyed peas.
How many bouillon cubes are required?
The recipe calls for 3 small vegetable bouillon cubes.
How should the garlic be prepared?
You should use 2 whole garlic cloves that have been crushed.
What type of oil is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
What herbs are used for seasoning?
The dish uses minced cilantro, minced parsley, and dried thyme leaves.
Is salt necessary for this recipe?
Salt is listed as an optional ingredient, with 1 teaspoon recommended if used.
How much pepper is added to the medley?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
What size onion should I use?
A large onion, chopped, is recommended for this recipe.
How many scallions are needed?
You will need 2 medium scallions, chopped.
What type of tomato is used?
The recipe calls for 1 large tomato, chopped.
What kind of rice is used in this dish?
The recipe requires 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice.
How should the black-eyed peas be prepared before cooking?
The black-eyed peas should be washed and drained before they are added to the pot.
What is the first step of the instructions?
In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed black-eyed peas with water, bouillon cubes, and crushed garlic, then bring to a boil.
How long do the peas simmer initially?
After adding the oil and minced herbs, the peas should simmer for 15 minutes.
When do I add the onion and tomato?
Add the chopped onion, scallions, dried thyme, and tomato after the initial 15-minute simmer.
How long is the second simmer stage?
The mixture should simmer for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the peas are tender.
When is the rice added to the pot?
The uncooked long-grain rice is stirred in after the second simmer once the peas are tender but not mushy.
What is the final step before serving?
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes to allow the rice to steam perfectly.
How should I finish the dish before plating?
Fluff the dish gently with a fork before serving to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
What are good serving suggestions for this medley?
It can be enjoyed on its own or served with a side of cornbread.
What texture should the black-eyed peas have?
The peas should be tender but still hold their shape, ensuring they are not mushy.
Is this recipe considered soul food?
Yes, it is tagged as soul food and comfort food, reflecting its traditional roots.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is described as a nutritious and wholesome dish featuring fresh vegetables and legumes.
What type of pot is best for cooking this?
A large saucepan or a Dutch oven is recommended for the best results.
How many cups of black-eyed peas are used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of washed and drained black-eyed peas.