Delicious Vegan Recipe: Cilantro Lime Black-Eyed Peas
Picture this: you’re at home on a chilly day, snuggled in a blanket and craving some comfort food. But instead of reaching for a bowl of mac and cheese or meaty chili, why not try something a little different? Something that’s just as hearty and filling, but much healthier and kinder to the planet.
That’s where Rachel’s Vegan Cilantro Lime Black-Eyed Peas come in. This flavorful dish is loaded with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, thanks to the star ingredient: black-eyed peas. Infused with zesty lime juice, fresh cilantro, and aromatic garlic and onion, these peas are transformed into a mouthwatering meal that will warm you up from the inside out.
Not only is this recipe delicious and nourishing, but it also aligns with ethical values that many people hold dear. By choosing vegan options like this one, we can reduce our carbon footprint, support sustainable agriculture practices, and avoid contributing to animal suffering.
So if you’re ready to try something new and exciting in the kitchen while also doing your part for the planet, keep reading for Rachel’s Vegan Cilantro Lime Black-Eyed Peas recipe – you won’t regret it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in the mood for a vegan dish that packs a punch of flavor and nutrition? Look no further than Rachel’s Vegan Cilantro Lime Black-Eyed Peas Recipe!
With a base of protein-packed black-eyed peas, this recipe is full of aromatic flavors and plant-based goodness. Cilantro is tastefully incorporated to impart a delightful freshness to the dish that complements the tanginess of lime juice beautifully. Meanwhile, the combination of brown sugar, garlic, and onion create an irresistible depth of flavor that adds complexity to every bite.
But the recipe isn’t just delicious—it’s also easy to prepare with everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. The quick and simple ingredient list includes olive oil, ground black pepper, kosher salt, fresh cilantro, garlic onions, and (of course) the star of the show: black-eyed peas. It takes less than 30 minutes to whip up this flavorful dish that can become your new go-to for impressing guests or satisfying picky eaters.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it’s also very versatile. You can adjust the seasonings depending on your preference or mix it up with different side dishes depending on what you’re craving or have available. Roasted sweet potatoes served alongside this vegan black-eyed pea recipe is an excellent way to add variety and flavor that will leave your guests raving about your culinary skills.
In summary, Rachel’s Vegan Cilantro Lime Black-Eyed Peas Recipe ticks all the boxes: incredible taste, nutritional value, easy preparation, and endless adaptability. Don’t hesitate any longer – experience this amazing recipe today!
Ingredient List
Before we start with the recipe, let’s take note of the essential ingredients to achieve the fantastic taste of Rachel’s Vegan Cilantro Lime Black-Eyed Peas recipe.
Here is a list of ingredients that you’ll need:
- 4 cups of vegetable broth
- 4 cups of water
- 2 cups of black-eyed peas
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 cup sweet potatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- Juice of two limes
- Zest from one lime
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves and stems, chopped
Most of these ingredients are already in your pantry or can be easily found in your local grocery store. Let me emphasize that using freshly squeezed lime juice and cilantro will make a difference in the flavor. However, feel free to incorporate other veggies like kale or spices such as curry powder and coconut milk to add more zest and texture to your dish.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s dive into the making of this scrumptious Cilantro Lime Black-Eyed Peas Recipe!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of dry black-eyed peas
- 4 cups of water
- 2 cups of vegetable broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 large onion
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- a pinch of ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 1 sweet potato (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1:
Firstly, rinse the dry black-eyed peas under cold water and soak them overnight.
Step 2:
Drain and rinse the soaked black-eyed peas. In a large pot, put them with the 4 cups of water and 2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring to boiling over high heat. Once it reaches a boiling point, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 30 minutes until the peas are soft and tender.
Step 3:
While waiting for the black-eyed peas to cook, chop one large onion and mince four cloves of garlic. Peel and chop one sweet potato into small cubes if desired.
Step 4:
In a separate large skillet, heat one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add in chopped onion, minced garlic, and cubed sweet potato (if using). Stir occasionally until they turn slightly brownish.
Step5:
Once the onions are translucent add in cooked black-eyed peas with all liquid from the pot. Mix well. Add a pinch of ground black pepper, one teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice, and one tablespoon of brown sugar. Give it another mix to make sure all flavors are well blended together.
Step6:
Lastly, chop a handful of fresh cilantro to add as garnish (if desired), right before serving.
And with that, my friends, you have prepared yourself some mouthwatering vegan cilantro lime black-eyed peas!
Substitutions and Variations
My vegan cilantro lime black-eyed peas recipe is already packed with flavor and nutrients, but you can always play around with the ingredients to suit your taste buds. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Sweet potatoes: If you’re not a big fan of sweet potatoes, you can substitute them with regular potatoes, carrots or butternut squash.
– Coconut milk: For a creamier texture and a different flavor profile, substitute the vegetable broth with coconut milk. This will also add a bit of sweetness to the dish.
– Curry: Add a touch of Indian flavors by seasoning the dish with curry powder. This will give it a slightly spicy and aromatic flavour.
– Kale: Add extra greens to your dish by tossing in some chopped kale towards the end of cooking. This will give it an added crunch, as well as adding more vitamins and minerals.
– Beans: Try switching out the black-eyed peas for other types of beans such as kidney beans or chickpeas for added texture.
– Cilantro Lime Rice: Serve this delicious recipe over cilantro lime rice to bring out its zesty flavor in every bite.
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own. Don’t be afraid to mix and match ingredients until you find the perfect combination that suits your tastes best!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve created this delicious vegan black-eyed pea dish, it’s time to think about how best to serve it. The cilantro and lime undertones in the recipe make for a tangy yet earthy taste, so pairing it with complementary flavors is key.
Firstly, I recommend serving this dish with a generous portion of fluffy white or brown rice. The combination of the lime and cilantro flavors from the peas will perfectly complement the mellow flavor of the rice, creating a harmonious balance.
For an extra burst of freshness, consider serving it with a side of cilantro-lime rice. The fragrant combo of these two ingredients will perfectly complement the pea’s flavor profile while also making for one visually stunning meal. You’ll get twice the satisfaction with each bite.
Additionally, if you’re looking for some added protein for your meal, consider topping off your dish with some vegan shredded cheese or avocado slices. This addition balances well with the already tangy and mildly seasoned black-eyed peas.
Alternatively, you could also pair this dish with simple vegan salad bowls, which allow you to create an ideal combination of tastes and textures without competing against the main course’s flavors. Handily easy to prepare kale, carrot and cucumber salad just needs an added squeeze or drizzle of fresh lemon juice or olive oil dressing to complete this healthy meal.
Lastly, if you’re looking to switch things up and create a more inspired dish, this delicacy would be perfect paired with Puerto Rican chicken rice or even as a side dish alongside dal or coconut milk curry. It pairs excellently in terms of flavor profiles and offers diversity in your food choices- appealing to everyone’s taste buds!
Overall, there are many ways that this vegan black-eyed pea recipe can be adapted and served beautifully and taste diversely by combining different textures and flavors of sides which could make for an impressive spread on your dinner table!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this vegan cilantro lime black-eyed peas recipe is how well it stores and reheats. It’s perfect for meal prep or making ahead for a party or potluck.
To make ahead, simply cook the recipe as directed and let it cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to five days.
When ready to reheat, there are a couple of options. If you’re reheating a single serving, it can be easily microwaved in a bowl or on a plate. If you’re reheating a larger portion or for a group, I recommend using a saucepan on the stove over low-medium heat. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen up the peas and prevent them from drying out.
If you want to freeze this dish, allow it to cool completely first before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, simply place it in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual.
One important thing to note when reheating is that the texture might become slightly softer than when freshly made. However, don’t worry about losing flavor because all the rich flavors will still be present – maybe even more so as they increase in intensity while sitting.
This vegan cilantro lime black-eyed peas recipe is delicious served hot, cold, or at room temperature, making it ideal for enjoying any time of the day or night.
Tips for Perfect Results
In order to prepare the perfect Vegan Cilantro Lime Black-Eyed Peas recipe, there are a few essential tips that you need to keep in mind. Here are some of the most important ones that I have gathered from my experience:
Firstly, while cooking this recipe, make sure to use a heavy-bottomed pot to prevent scorching or burning. It’s also important to stir the black-eyed peas occasionally as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
Secondly, don’t forget to soak your black-eyed peas overnight or for at least 8 hours before cooking. This will help soften them and reduce their cooking time.
Another crucial ingredient in this recipe is lime juice. Always use fresh lime juice for maximum flavor and avoid bottled lime juice as it can be harsh and bitter.
When preparing the cilantro, gently wash it in cold water, pat dry with a paper towel, then chop it just before using it. This helps prevent the cilantro from getting wilted or losing its flavor.
To make your Vegan Cilantro Lime Black-Eyed Peas dish more flavorful, consider adding extra garlic or lemon juice into the mixture. A little bit of brown sugar can also balance out any sourness or bitterness of other ingredients; just remember not to use too much.
Lastly, remember that timing is everything in this recipe. So once you add all the ingredients together and bring it to a boil, lower the heat and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. This will allow all the flavors to meld together perfectly.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with your delicious Vegan Cilantro Lime Black-Eyed Peas Recipe!
Bottom Line
:
In a world where our diet choices have a serious impact on our health and the environment, choosing vegan recipes like Rachel’s Vegan Cilantro Lime Black-Eyed Peas is not only delicious but also compassionate.
By using simple ingredients such as black-eyed peas, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice, you can create a flavorful and nutritious dish that will satisfy your taste buds while nourishing your body. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking for a new vegetarian recipe to try out, this recipe has something for everyone.
Moreover, making vegan recipes like this one is a small step towards reducing our carbon footprint and protecting animals. By choosing plant-based ingredients over animal products, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change and minimize the harm inflicted on farmed animals.
Overall, I encourage you to give Rachel’s Vegan Cilantro Lime Black-Eyed Peas recipe a try. Delicious, healthy, and compassionate – what more could you ask for?
Rachel’s Vegan Cilantro Lime Black-Eyed Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups black-eyed peas
- 4 cups vegetable stock (or broth)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic (2 cloves)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (or turbinado)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan or frying pan, heat up the olive oil. Saute the onion and garlic until nice and brown.
- Wash the black-eyed peas and remove any stones, dirt, etc. Put them into a Dutch oven (although being ghetto, I use my hand-me-down lobster pot and it works just fine. Any large pot will do.).
- Add the browned onion, plus all the other ingredients listed. Mix well. Bring it to a boil.
- Lower the temperature to medium/medium-high. Cover the Dutch Oven or pot and let it all simmer for about 70-90 minutes or until the peas are nice and tender.
- Awesome side dish, or great when served over brown rice with some greens for a complete vegan meal!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.