Hearty Southern Black Eyed Peas (Printable Version)

Vegan black eyed peas with smoky spices, fresh veggies, and bold flavors. Perfect comfort food for any day of the week.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 large red bell pepper, diced
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 cup chopped celery
04 - 3 minced garlic cloves
05 - 1/4 cup cooking oil
06 - 1 diced jalapeño, without seeds (optional)
07 - 1 pound of dried black-eyed peas, cleaned, washed, and soaked for 8 hours

→ Flavors & Liquid

08 - 6 cups vegetable broth (or combo of 6 cups water and 6 teaspoons veggie bouillon paste, or 2 cubes)
09 - 1 bay leaf (large)
10 - 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
11 - 1 teaspoon fresh black pepper
12 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne
14 - 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
15 - 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme (or both, if preferred)

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Warm up oil in a big dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the onion, celery, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Stir and cook until the onion becomes see-through, about 3 minutes.
02 - Pour in black-eyed peas, veggie broth, and the bay leaf. Put a lid on and let it boil gently. Lower the heat, keeping it on medium-low, and let it cook for around 40 minutes until the beans soften and the liquid thickens.
03 - Mix in smoked paprika, soy sauce, cayenne, black pepper, and liquid smoke. Take it off the burner and let it rest for a few minutes before digging in.
04 - Serve warm with rice and collard greens, or pair it with cornbread for a perfect meal.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Inspired by the Sweet Potato Soul cookbook
02 - Works well with a Dutch oven or Instant Pot
03 - Great choice for celebrating New Year’s Day