There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of Vegan Coconut Black Eyed Peas Stew. Creamy coconut milk, tender peas, and a mix of bold soul food spices come together to make a dish that feels both cozy and nourishing. Perfect for anyone looking for Vegan Dinner Recipes that bring big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Full of creamy, comforting flavor with a touch of spice.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
- Healthy, hearty, and completely plant-based.
Ingredients
Every ingredient here has a purpose, bringing either flavor or texture to make this Black Eyed Peas Recipe shine.
- Black eyed peas: The star ingredient, rich in protein and fiber, making it ideal for Healthy Dinner Recipes.
- Coconut milk: Adds creaminess and balances the earthy taste of peas.
- Onion & garlic: Build that deep, savory base flavor every good stew needs.
- Tomatoes: Add tang and a touch of sweetness that blends perfectly with coconut.
- Bell pepper: Adds freshness and a soft crunch that enhances texture.
- Smoked paprika & cumin: These spices give it that soulful warmth we love in Cooking Soul Food.
- Spinach or kale: For extra color, nutrients, and a vibrant finish.
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper: To round out the flavor and bring balance.
Step by Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, and cook until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Add bell pepper and tomatoes, stirring occasionally until the mixture softens into a thick base.
- Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for a minute to deepen their aroma.
- Pour in the coconut milk and a cup of water, then add the cooked black eyed peas. Stir well and let everything simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add spinach or kale toward the end, stirring until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Don’t skip soaking the peas if using dried ones, or they’ll stay tough.
- Don’t overcook the greens; they should stay bright and soft, not mushy.
- Be careful not to add too much salt before the stew simmers; the flavor intensifies as it cooks.
- For the best Vegan Coconut Black Eyed Peas Stew, use full-fat coconut milk for that creamy texture.
Pro Tips
- For a richer taste, add a splash of lime juice before serving.
- If you love a smoky twist, toss in a dash of liquid smoke or chipotle powder.
- Serve it with brown rice or warm flatbread for a full Soul Food Dinner experience.
- For easy reheating, store leftovers in a sealed container up to 4 days in the fridge.
Vegan Coconut Black Eyed Peas Stew
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups black eyed peas cooked or canned and rinsed
- 1 can coconut milk full-fat preferred
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes fresh or canned
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 2 cups spinach or kale roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant and slightly golden.
- Add chopped bell pepper and tomatoes, stirring occasionally until they soften into a thick base.
- Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for a minute.
- Pour in the coconut milk and a cup of water. Add the black eyed peas and stir to combine. Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Add spinach or kale and stir until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Use canned black eyed peas for a quicker version.
- To add depth, include a splash of lime juice or a dash of liquid smoke at the end.
- Serve with rice or cornbread for a comforting meal.
Serving Suggestions
This stew pairs beautifully with cornbread or fluffy jasmine rice. For a lighter side, try it with Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding for dessert or serve it alongside a quick Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip Made Easy for a fun dinner spread. If you’re short on time, pair it with 5-Minute Vegan Banana Chia Pudding to keep things simple yet satisfying.
FAQs
Can I use canned black eyed peas instead of dried?
Yes, canned black eyed peas work perfectly for this stew and save time. Just rinse them well before adding to remove extra sodium. The texture will still be soft and creamy after simmering in coconut milk.
How can I make this stew thicker?
To thicken your stew, mash a few peas right in the pot or let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes. The starch from the peas naturally thickens the coconut broth into a rich, velvety sauce without adding flour or cornstarch.
What can I serve with Vegan Coconut Black Eyed Peas Stew?
It’s wonderful with steamed rice, quinoa, or crusty bread. For a full Vegan Dinner Recipe experience, add roasted veggies or a small salad. This dish also makes a great side for other Vegan Dishes or Bean Recipes during holidays.
Conclusion
Warm, comforting, and packed with goodness, this Vegan Coconut Black Eyed Peas Stew is everything a cozy evening needs. Save this recipe, share it, and pin it to your Cooking Recipes For Dinner board for your next craving.
