I get it, you are asking the question probably out loud why POSSIBLY is the black-eyed pea mindful and demure?!?!? Let’s chat… 👀
First, I feel like the black-eyed pea is so misunderstood, AND yet so powerful in its mindful-demure way……. I 👀U!! 🖤♥️.
💪🏾 Superfood Health Benefits
According to Medical News Today, Black-Eyed Peas are among the top superfoods to eat.
- It’s called black-eyed pea but it’s actually a BEAN
- Historically, they originate in West Africa, but they grow in warm regions around the globe.
- Black-eyed peas get their name from their appearance. They are cream in color with a little black speck that resembles an eye in the center, outlining where they were once attached to pods.
- As with other types of beans, people can purchase them canned or dried.
- They’re a good source of fiber and protein and contain important nutrients such as vitamins A and K, calcium, and iron.
- Adding them to your diet can help with weight and blood-sugar management and lower your cholesterol
We have a very steep tradition in the African-American community around New Year’s to have a “spoonful” of black-eyed peas, setting us up for a great year.
For the love of goodness people please eat them all-year! 😆
💫 How to Add them to Meals
- Hummus: Add mashed cooked black-eyed peas to homemade hummus.
- Burritos: Add black-eyed peas to burritos and wraps by taking mashed warm beans and spreading them on, adding other fillings on top.
- Salads: Black-eyed peas can add flavor and texture to salads. Add them to a salad with a dressing such as olive oil, mustard, vinegar, fresh lemon juice, or garlic.
- Burgers: People can swap out the meat in burgers for smashed black-eyed peas, or mix meat with black-eyed peas to cut down on saturated fat.
- Pilaf: Add black-eyes peas to grains or cooked rice for immediate protein and fiber boost. Black-eyed peas are a staple in numerous traditional African American dishes, including Hoppin’ John, which is a rice pilaf containing black-eyed peas and smoked and salted pork.
- Vegetable soup: A hearty soup can be a filling meal, especially with some croutons or bread on the side. Adding a can of crushed or whole black-eyed peas can be an easy way to make soups go further.
🥄 My Favorite Black Eyed Pea Recipe!
Black-eyed peas have long been symbolic in African American culture and cuisine. This salad, an update to an Oldways classic, requires no cooking, and its crisp, bright flavor will liven up any table. I teach this recipe in the community as it has soooooo many natural delicious components. You can find this recipe and many, many more on the Oldways Website.
Ingredients
For the vinaigrette:
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Juice of one lime
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 cup olive oil
Half of a small shallot, finely diced (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt
Pepper
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (optional)
For the salad:
2 (15-ounce) cans of no or low sodium black-eyed peas, rinsed
1 cup diced cucumber
1 cup diced red bell pepper
2 tablespoons diced jalapeno, seeds removed (optional)
Instructions
- To make the vinaigrette, in a small bowl combine and whisk the vinegar, lime juice, mustard, and honey. Drizzle in the olive oil gradually, whisking to combine. Add in the shallot (if using), cumin, cayenne, and salt and pepper to taste, whisking to combine. In a medium to large bowl, combine the black eyed peas, cucumber, peppers, and cilantro (if using).
- Add the vinaigrette to the black-eyed pea mixture, stirring to combine. Refrigerate to chill before serving. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.
Over here Ya’ll KNOW I love some beans. Maybe this one you’ll give a second look the next time you are grocery shopping😉!
If you want to know more about beans and legumes, check out this post I create a while back. It’s full of great information!
Be Well!
J
References
Medical News Today Black Eyed Peas Nutrition and Health Benefits
Oldways Black -Eyed Pea Salad Recipe
WebMd Health Benefits of Black-eyed peas
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