Why You’ll Love This Black Eyed Peas and Spinach Recipe

Embrace the warmth and nourishment of Southern cuisine with this incredible Black Eyed Peas and Spinach recipe. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl, combining the earthy goodness of black-eyed peas with the vibrant freshness of spinach in a rich, savory broth. Whether you’re looking for a hearty vegetarian main course, a comforting side dish for your family dinner, or a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on flavor, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cooking, often associated with good luck and prosperity when eaten on New Year’s Day. Beyond their cultural significance, they are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fiber, protein, and essential minerals. When paired with nutrient-dense spinach, this dish transforms into a superfood meal that supports your overall well-being.

This recipe is designed for ease and convenience, utilizing canned black-eyed peas to significantly reduce preparation time without sacrificing taste. With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can have a flavorful and wholesome meal on the table in under an hour. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend, offering a taste of tradition with a healthy twist.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create this flavorful and nutritious dish:

• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 Tbs olive oil
• 3 (15-ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a subtle kick)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 4 oz fresh spinach
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your savory black-eyed peas and spinach:

1. Sauté the Onion: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. This step builds the flavor base for your dish.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add the drained black-eyed peas, dried oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir everything well to combine, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a low simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it cook for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After 15 minutes, use a potato masher to gently smash some of the black-eyed peas against the side of the pot. This will naturally thicken the broth, giving it a richer consistency.
4. Add Spinach and Season: Stir in the fresh spinach. Cook for just a few minutes, or until the spinach has completely wilted. Once wilted, taste the dish and add a dash more salt and pepper if desired. Adjust seasoning to your preference.
5. Serve: Your delicious black-eyed peas and spinach are ready to be enjoyed! It pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, warm crusty bread, or hot tortillas for a truly satisfying meal.

Recipe Video

Watch Julia Pacheco demonstrate how to prepare this and other budget-friendly meals in her “$5 DINNERS” series.

Tips for the Perfect Dish & Creative Variations

While this recipe is fantastic as is, here are some tips to elevate your black-eyed peas and spinach, along with ideas for exciting variations:

Enhance the Flavor

• Aromatics: Don’t rush the onion sauté. Allowing it to become fully translucent and slightly caramelized will deepen the flavor profile of the entire dish. You can also add minced garlic along with the onion for an extra layer of aroma and taste.
• Herbs & Spices: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like a bay leaf during simmering (remember to remove it before serving) or a pinch of thyme. For a smokier flavor without meat, a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika can work wonders.
• Heat Level: If you love heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce at the end. For a milder touch, omit the cayenne entirely.
• Fresh vs. Canned: While canned peas make this dish quick, you can certainly use dried black-eyed peas. Just remember to soak them overnight and cook them until tender (about 1-2 hours) before adding them to the recipe. This will significantly increase the total cooking time.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish can be served in many ways:

• Classic Southern Style: Serve it generously over fluffy white or brown rice with a side of warm cornbread. The cornbread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Light Lunch: Enjoy a smaller portion as a wholesome and satisfying light lunch.
• Hearty Side: It makes an excellent side dish for grilled chicken, baked fish, or pork chops.
• Breakfast Twist: Believe it or not, black-eyed peas are sometimes enjoyed for breakfast in some regions! Serve alongside scrambled eggs for a hearty start to your day.

Delicious Variations

• Smoky Meat Addition (Non-Vegetarian): For a more traditional Southern flavor, consider adding a smoked ham hock, a piece of smoked turkey leg, or a few strips of cooked bacon to the pot during the simmering phase. Remove the ham hock/turkey leg before serving and shred any meat back into the dish.
• Other Greens: While spinach is excellent, you can substitute it with other hearty greens like chopped collard greens, kale, or mustard greens. If using tougher greens, add them earlier during the simmering phase to allow them more time to tenderize.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate finely chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers with the onion for an immediate heat boost.
• Tangy Finish: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar right before serving can brighten the flavors beautifully.
• Creamy Texture: For a richer, creamier dish, stir in a spoonful of vegan cream cheese or a splash of coconut milk at the end.
• Garnish Galore: Top with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream (or vegan sour cream), or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an approximation of the nutritional content per serving for this Black Eyed Peas and Spinach recipe. Please remember that nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as a guide only.

• Calories: 457 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 72 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Sodium: 507 mg
• Potassium: 1096 mg
• Fiber: 22 g
• Sugar: 13 g
• Vitamin A: 3085 IU
• Vitamin C: 11 mg
• Calcium: 116 mg
• Iron: 9 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

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