Flavorful Vegan Black Peas (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Core Ingredients

01 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
02 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
03 - 1 jalapeño pepper (seeded and diced; optional for spiciness)
04 - 1 cup chopped celery
05 - 1/4 cup cooking oil
06 - 1 large red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 lb dried black-eyed peas, cleaned, rinsed, and soaked for 8 hours

→ Broth and Spices

08 - 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
09 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
10 - 1 large bay leaf
11 - 6 cups vegetable broth (or combine 6 cups water with 6 teaspoons veggie bouillon or 2 cubes)
12 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
13 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
15 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano and/or thyme (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - In a big Dutch oven, heat some oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the onion, bell pepper, jalapeño, celery, and garlic. Cook while stirring until the onion turns see-through, around 3 minutes.
02 - Add black-eyed peas, the broth, and the bay leaf. Pop on the lid and let it boil gently. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the beans are soft and the liquid has thickened.
03 - Mix in the smoked paprika, liquid smoke, soy sauce, black pepper, and cayenne. Turn off the heat and let it sit for a bit before serving.
04 - Serve warm with some rice, cornbread, or collard greens to make it a meal.

# Notes:

01 - This recipe is straight from the Sweet Potato Soul cookbook.
02 - You can make it using a Dutch oven or an Instant Pot.
03 - It’s a great pick for celebrating New Year’s Day traditions.