A delicious black eyed peas recipe to celebrate in a Mediterranean style. Dried black eyed peas cooked in a fragrant tomato sauce. A hearty vegan meal with just a handful of ingredients.
Check out this Instant pot tomato soup for a filling vegetarian dish.
Table of contents
Why This Recipe Works
Meaty and soft black eyed peas, rustic yet so flavorful with very humble ingredients. This is a recipe that has been enjoyed in the Middle East for as long as I know and not just for the new year.
Here in the United States, black eyed peas are known to bring good luck for the new year. But in the Middle East they are enjoyed throughout the year as they are very filling and affordable meal.
Recipe Ingredients
Recipe Instructions
Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Before cooking, wash dried beans under cold water then place in a deep bowl and cover with cold water. Add baking soda and stir to combine. Soak beans for 2-3 hours.
- In a deep pot over medium high heat add olive oil and saute onion and garlic until translucent, 2 -3 minutes.
- Pour in tomato sauce, , tomato paste, water or stock if using and all the spice.
- Add in the soaked beans and stir everything well together. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until cooked.
Recipe Expert Tips
- I've used olive oil in this recipe but you can use whatever oil you like.
- For a smoky flavor, not traditional, add smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
- I love mine with water but you can use vegetable stock instead.
- I you want to add meat feel free to use it as my mom did. Ground beef works great for this recipe too.
- Cayenne pepper is optional and not traditional but it took the beans to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Taste the level of doneness yourself. I like mine soft but not mushy, you might want yours to be more firm than mine.
- To soak or not? Some people say it is not necessary to soak beans anymore. I soaked mine as this is how I am used to. If you did not soak them then they will take a little longer to cook.
Recipe FAQs
Yes you can, although not traditional nor economical but you can. Just make sure to rinse them really well. If you decided to use canned ones, follow the instructions and let the sauce simmer for like 10 minutes before adding the canned beans. Bear in mind that it will take less time.
Of course, black eyed peas in the instant pot is a life saver. Here is how: saute onions and garlic on the saute setting of your IP. Add everything else and pressure cook on high for 15-16 minutes for dry beans. If you soaked yours then reduce time by almost half.
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Vegan Black eyed peas
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup (270g) dry black eyed peas.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
- 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 Tablespoon tomato paste.
Instructions
- In a colander wash the peas thoroughly with cold water then place in a deep bowl covering with 3-4 inches of cold water. Stir in the baking soda.Cover and let it soak for 3 hours.
- Drain and rinse the beans then set aside.
- In a large pot heat the olive oil then sauté onions and garlic for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Add tomato sauce, water, spices and tomato paste.
- Add the beans to the pot and stir well, bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 30-40 minutes checking in between for liquid level.
- Taste and adjust the salt level if needed. Serve with crusty bread/ pita bread or white rice.
Notes
- Instant Pot directions:
Do not soak the beans.
Set the IP on sauté then add oil and follow directions until you add the beans.
Cover and pressure cook on high for 15 minutes.
If you soaked your beans then I would recommend cutting back on the cooking time by half. - Slow cooker directions:
I prefer to sauté onions and garlic first on stove top then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5-6 hours.
You can also mix everything together in the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 5 to 6 hours. - Canned peas directions:
If you prefer using canned peas then rinse thoroughly with cold water and add to the pot. Adjust cooking time as it will take way less time to cook. - I've used olive oil in this recipe but you can use whatever oil you like.
- For a smoky flavor, not traditional, add smoked paprika or liquid smoke.
- I love mine with water but you can use vegetable stock instead.
- I you want to add meat feel free to use it as my mom did. Ground beef works great for this recipe too.
- Cayenne pepper is optional and not traditional but it took the beans to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Taste the level of doneness yourself. I like mine soft but not mushy, you might want yours to be more firm than mine.
- To soak or not? Some people say it is not necessary to soak beans anymore. I soaked mine as this is how I am used to. If you did not soak them then they will take a little longer to cook.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. You can also freeze for up to 6 months.
Nutrition
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First published Dec 27, 2019 . Last updated December 21, 2020 with important tips, clear step by step instructions and readability.
its so yummy and flavour full
Thank you so much Fatma for your feedback, so happy you liked it.
Okay seriously THANK YOU for this recipe. I was making black eyed peas for dinner tonight and my mom didn’t answer my call to tell me her recipe so I looked this one up. It was just like hers. I’m so grateful! Made it in the instant pot and quick released after 15 min and they were still a bit hard so I put them in for 3 more minutes HP and that was perfect!
Thank you so much Marian for your sweet comment, I am so happy that it turned out like your sweet mama's recipe. I am craving it right now.-- yum.
This recipe was simply amazing! The black-eyed peas was easy to make. I was surprised that simple seasoning made this dish taste amazingly. I saved this recipe, and will be making these more in the future.
Divya, thank you so much for your feedback, I am so glad it worked for you.