Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful dinner recipe? Look no further! This Black Eyed Peas Filipino recipe is a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering. It’s a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a culinary delight, showcasing the best of Filipino home cooking. This easy recipe is perfect for both beginner cooks and experienced chefs looking for a new favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight (or use 2 cups canned, drained and rinsed)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned are fine)
- 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fish sauce (patis) – this adds a wonderful umami depth!
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (vegetable or coconut oil works well)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked rice, for serving
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
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Add Vegetables: Stir in the red and green bell peppers and cook for 3-5 minutes, until slightly softened.
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Season and Simmer: Add the diced tomatoes, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, black pepper, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine.
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Introduce Black Eyed Peas and Liquid: Add the soaked black-eyed peas (or canned, drained and rinsed) and the water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30 minutes, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. If using dried peas, you may need to add more liquid during cooking.
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Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more soy sauce or fish sauce for saltiness, or a touch more brown sugar for sweetness. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot over a bed of cooked rice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Black Eyed Peas:
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Soaking the peas: Soaking the dried black-eyed peas overnight significantly reduces cooking time and improves their texture. If you're short on time, you can quick-soak them by covering them with boiling water and letting them sit for at least an hour.
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Don't overcook: Overcooked black-eyed peas can become mushy. Aim for a tender but still slightly firm texture.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning to your preference. The amount of soy sauce, fish sauce, and brown sugar can be adjusted based on your taste.
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Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, potatoes, or spinach to this dish.
Variations:
- Spicy version: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped chili pepper for extra heat.
- Coconut milk version: Stir in 1/2 cup of coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a richer flavor.
- Meat version: Add cooked pork belly, chorizo, or chicken for a heartier dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and satisfying meal. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
This Black Eyed Peas Filipino recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a quick dinner idea that's both delicious and nutritious, perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy this homemade cooking experience and savor the flavors of the Philippines!