Black-Eyed Pea Skillet Dinner

This Black-Eyed Pea Skillet Dinner is a vibrant, one-pan vegetarian masterpiece that brings a touch of American Southern-inspired comfort to your table. Featuring hearty black-eyed peas and golden Yukon Gold potatoes, it is a balanced meal that is as nutritious as it is flavorful, all prepared in a single cast iron skillet for maximum ease.

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The cast iron skillet is the secret to getting those potatoes perfectly tender while allowing the onions to caramelize and the spices to bloom. This creates a deeply savory base that perfectly complements the fresh spinach added at the final moment.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, diced (about 1 lb/450 g)
• 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas (or 1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Instructions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the sliced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the diced potatoes. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until potatoes are golden and just tender.

Step 4

Add the garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and add the black-eyed peas. Stir well to combine. Cover the skillet and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until potatoes are fully cooked and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 6

Uncover, add the chopped spinach, and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until spinach is wilted.

Step 7

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with lemon wedges, if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Ensure your Yukon Gold potatoes are diced into uniform 1/2-inch pieces so they cook through evenly. Using a lid during the simmering stage is crucial, as it traps the steam necessary to finish the potatoes without burning the bottom of the skillet.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For an extra protein boost, stir in some sautéed tempeh or tofu cubes. If you prefer sturdier greens, you can substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard; just be sure to cook them a few minutes longer until tender. To add more heat, increase the crushed red pepper or add a diced jalapeño with the onions.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this dish piping hot with a side of warm cornbread or over a bed of fluffy white rice for a more filling meal. A final squeeze of fresh lemon over the entire skillet just before serving is highly recommended to brighten the smoky notes of the paprika and peas.

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Whether you are looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend lunch, this Black-Eyed Pea Skillet Dinner delivers nutrition and flavor in every bite. It is a versatile dish that celebrates simple, wholesome ingredients cooked to perfection.

Common Questions

→ Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?

Yes, you'll need to cook dried black-eyed peas separately before adding them to the skillet. Soak overnight, then simmer for 45-60 minutes until tender. Drain and use as directed in the recipe.

→ What other greens can I substitute for spinach?

Kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens work beautifully. Just note that heartier greens like kale may need an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time to become tender.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, or microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through.

→ Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a diced jalapeño pepper when sautéing the onions. You can also add hot sauce to taste before serving.

→ What should I serve with this skillet?

Cornbread is a classic pairing, but warm crusty bread, steamed rice, or a simple green salad also complement this dish well. For extra protein, serve with a side of baked tofu or grilled tempeh.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.