Okay, here we go! Let’s talk about a dinnertime win that’s become a staple in our cozy chaos: Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew. My kids? They’re usually running from anything green, but somehow, this dish brings them running to the table. What started as a desperate attempt to get some veggies into them has turned into a requested meal. The key? It’s just pure comfort in a bowl, and I’m so excited to share this Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew recipe with you!
I remember the first time I made Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew. It was one of those nights where I had absolutely no idea what to make for dinner. I stared into the pantry, saw some black-eyed peas and a bag of frozen okra, and figured I’d give it a shot. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much, but the warmth and depth of flavors surprised me. Everyone loved how comforting this Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew tasted!
I knew I had something special when even my pickiest eater asked for seconds. From that day on, Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew became a regular in our rotation. It’s so simple to throw together, and it’s packed with good-for-you ingredients. And the best part? It’s completely customizable to your family’s tastes. So if your family craves comfort and flavor without hours in the kitchen, this Southern stew is about to become your new best friend!
Fellow comfort seekers, I know the weeknight dinner struggle is REAL. That’s why I’m sharing this Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew – it’s a sanity-saving recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy moms seeking simple comfort food.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s what you need for this cozy and oh-so-delicious Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is simple because, like you, I believe busy moms need comfort without complexity!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen okra, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a little kick!)
- Optional: Cooked rice, for serving
Trust me, this Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew is forgiving! No green bell pepper? Use a yellow or red one – it’ll still be delicious. Don’t have fresh garlic? A teaspoon of garlic powder will do the trick. You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive.
I like to use low-sodium vegetable broth, so I can control the saltiness myself. Also, rinsing the black-eyed peas is a must to get rid of excess starch. My family gets extra comfort when I add a bay leaf while it simmers, but remember to remove it before serving.
You can find canned black-eyed peas at most grocery stores, making this Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew pantry-friendly. Speaking of pantry-friendly, this reminds me of another easy recipe for busy weeknights, my Southern Style Black-Eyed Peas!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Alright, let’s dive into making this comforting Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of deliciousness simmering in no time.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chopped green bell pepper and cook for about 3 minutes, until it starts to soften. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking! In my busy kitchen, this comforting Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew usually takes around 30-40 minutes from start to finish.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), rinsed and drained black-eyed peas, and sliced frozen okra. Stir to combine all the ingredients. Now, pour in the vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew – I’d forget to scrape the bottom of the pot and things would burn! Learn from my experience.
- Bring the Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes, or until the okra is tender. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! And this Vegan stew recipe is so easy to adapt based on what you have on hand.
- Give the Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew a taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper to taste. Don’t worry if your Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew looks a little thin at first; it will thicken up as it simmers.
- Serve your Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew hot, either on its own or over cooked rice.
While your Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! This is also the perfect time to browse MommiesMore for more sanity-saving comfort food ideas. For instance, if you’re looking for a great side dish for this stew, check out this recipe for Southern Black-Eyed Peas with Collard Greens!
Here’s a Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: I like to add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten up the flavors. I learned this from my grandma, who said a little acid balances out the richness of the stew. I even make this in the Instant Pot sometimes for a faster meal, so I can spend more time with the kids.
How We Love to Eat This!
Okay, so you’ve made this delicious Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew – now what? Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it in my home.
The kids devour this comforting Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew when I serve it with cornbread. There’s something about dipping the cornbread into the stew that makes it extra appealing to them. I will serve this on its own, or over cooked rice. Sometimes, I even add a dollop of sour cream or plain yogurt on top for extra creaminess. I sometimes will throw in a dash of hot sauce for a bit of a kick!
This Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! But it’s also great for a cozy weekend lunch. I’ve even made a big pot of this when we’ve had friends over, and it’s always a hit. People are always surprised at how flavorful and satisfying it is!
If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), they are amazing for lunch the next day. Sometimes, I’ll even add the leftover Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew to a baked potato for a super hearty meal.
In the summer, when fresh okra is abundant, I use it instead of frozen – the flavor is even brighter. In the winter, I sometimes add a can of fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky twist. I also like to make a batch of Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew at the beginning of the week and pack it for lunches. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out this Black-Eyed Pea Salad!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with this Black-Eyed Peas and Okra recipe! I encourage you to add different spices, vegetables, or proteins to make it your own. I’ve even seen versions that are similar to Black-eyed Pea Gumbo | FatFree Vegan Kitchen, adding spices like creole seasoning.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
I know you probably have some questions, so I’m here to help. I have heard it all from the fellow moms in my circle. I’ve compiled a list of the most common ones I get asked about this yummy Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew.
- Is this Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew really filling enough for growing kids? Yes! The black-eyed peas are packed with protein and fiber, which will keep your little ones satisfied. Plus, you can serve it with rice or cornbread to make it even more filling.
- What if my picky eater won’t try this Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew? Don’t give up! Sometimes, it takes multiple tries for kids to warm up to new foods. Try serving a very small portion alongside something they already love. You can also let them help you make the Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew – kids are more likely to eat something they helped create.
- Can I meal prep this Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew for busy weeks ahead? Absolutely! This Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew is perfect for meal prepping. Just make a big batch on the weekend and store it in the fridge for up to four days. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld.
- Can I freeze this Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew? Yes, you can! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Can I make this Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the onions and peppers, then add them and all the other ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- What are other variations I can try? Add sausage, smoked turkey, or ham for extra protein. Or, add more greens like collard greens or spinach. You can also add different spices like cumin or chili powder for a different flavor profile. Check out Black Eyed Peas and Okra (Instant Pot) – Palatable Pastime for another take on this delicious dish!
- Is this Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew healthy? Yes! It’s packed with fiber, protein, and vitamins. It’s a great way to get your family to eat their vegetables without any complaints!
These questions came from a lot of trial and error!
Final Thoughts:
This Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew is more than just a recipe; it’s a way to bring comfort and connection to your family’s table. It supports my family’s comfort food goals by being simple, nutritious, and satisfying. Plus, it is a delicious Vegan stew recipe!
- Lemon Squeeze: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors.
- Bay Leaf Secret: Simmer with a bay leaf, but remember to remove it before serving.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick that adults will love.
I hope you enjoy this satisfying Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew as much as my family does. May it bring warmth, comfort, and a little bit of dinnertime peace to your cozy chaos. So get in the kitchen and give this comforting Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew a try! Remember, I’m here to support you on your journey to creating simple comfort food for your family. Check out hoppin’ john with okra and tomato stew – Husbands That Cook for a different variation! I know you’ll have a dinnertime win with this yummy Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew!
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Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew
This Black-Eyed Peas Okra Stew is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Packed with nutritious ingredients, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a plant-based Southern favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stew
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup frozen okra, sliced
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, black-eyed peas, okra, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, and thyme.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the flavors have melded.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add hot sauce, if desired.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of vegan sour cream, if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth or adding a bay leaf during simmering. Remove the bay leaf before serving.