Are you looking for a delicious and healthy meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This purple hulled peas recipe is a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a vibrant addition to your weekend meal plan. Purple hulled peas, also known as black-eyed peas, boast a unique earthy flavor and beautiful color, making them a visually appealing and nutritious choice. This recipe highlights their natural goodness with simple yet flavorful ingredients, resulting in a satisfying and healthy dish perfect for the whole family. Let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried purple hulled peas (also known as black-eyed peas), rinsed
- 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
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Soak the peas (optional but recommended): For best results, soak the dried purple hulled peas in cold water for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This significantly reduces cooking time and improves texture. If you're short on time, you can skip this step, but expect a longer cooking time.
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Add the spices: Add the smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aroma. This simple step enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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Combine and simmer: Add the rinsed purple hulled peas, vegetable broth (or water), and chopped bell peppers to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the peas are tender. If you soaked the peas, they'll cook much faster—check for tenderness around 45 minutes. If you skipped soaking, it might take closer to an hour and a half.
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Season and serve: Once the peas are cooked, season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot with a squeeze of lime juice.
Cooking Tips for the Best Purple Hulled Peas:
- Don't overcook: Overcooked peas can become mushy. Check for tenderness frequently towards the end of the cooking time.
- Adjust spices to your liking: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices according to your preference. If you enjoy a spicier dish, add more cayenne pepper.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or corn to make this a complete and more hearty meal.
Variations:
- Coconut milk purple hulled peas: For a creamy and flavorful twist, stir in 1/2 cup of coconut milk during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy purple hulled peas: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeño pepper for extra heat.
- Lemon-herb purple hulled peas: Substitute the lime with lemon juice and add fresh herbs like thyme or oregano.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This recipe provides a good source of fiber, protein, and various vitamins and minerals. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, you can use an online nutritional calculator.
This easy and delicious purple hulled peas recipe is a fantastic addition to your healthy meal repertoire. It's perfect as a side dish, a light lunch, or a satisfying vegetarian main course. Enjoy!