Greek-Style Black Eyed Pea Recipe

Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil (I used Early Harvest Greek EVOO)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 to 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 15-oz can diced tomato
• 2 cups water
• 1 dry bay leaf
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dry oregano
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• 1/2 tsp  red pepper flakes, optional
• 2 15-oz cans black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• 1 lime or lemon, juice of
• 1 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat till shimmering but not smoking. Add onions and garlic. Saute briefly until translucent and fragrant. Add bell peppers and carrots. Cook for 5 minutes, tossing regularly.
2. Now add diced tomatoes (with their juices), water, bay leaf, spices, salt and pepper. Raise the heat and bring to a boil. Add in the black eyed peas. Boil for 5 minutes, then lower heat. Cover part-way and let simmer for 25 to 30 minutes (occasionally check to stir. If the black eyed pea stew looks too dry, add a tiny bit of water.)
3. Finally, stir in lemon juice and parsley.
4. To serve, transfer to bowls. Add a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Enjoy with a side of warm Greek pita or on top of orzo, rice, or your favorite grain.

NOTES

• To make using dry black eyed peas: start with just over 1 heaping up of dry black eyed peas. Soak them in plenty of water  overnight or up to 6 hours. Cook them in a large pot, adding enough water to cover the black eyed peas by 4 inches.  Let simmer for about 1 hour. Begin to check if they are soft and tender after 45 minutes. If the water simmers off too quickly, simply add more water to the pot.
• Slow Cooker or Crock Pot Instructions: Add the onions, garlic gloves, carrots, and bell peppers in the slow cooker. Add in the canned diced tomatoes, olive oil, water, bay leaf, cumin, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, and black-eyed peas. Season with salt and pepper. Turn the slow cooker on low and simmer for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours or so. Finish with the lemon juice and parsley, mix in, and enjoy!

https://www.themediterraneandish.com/black-eyed-peas-recipe-greek/

• Leftover Storage Instructions: Store in fridge in tight-lid containers for up to 1 week. You can also freeze for later use. Thaw overnight in the fridge.