Description
This Cajun Black Eyed Pea Rice Bowl is the ultimate comfort meal—warm, hearty, and bursting with Southern-inspired flavors. Made with tender black-eyed peas, Cajun spices, and perfectly cooked rice, it’s a wholesome and satisfying dish that brings a touch of Louisiana to your table. Ideal for cozy dinners or easy meal prep, it’s simple, nourishing, and full of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cajun Black Eyed Peas:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups cooked black-eyed peas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
For the Rice:
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
- 3 cups water or broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Serving:
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring water or broth to a boil. Add rice, olive oil, and salt. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, cayenne, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the vegetables.
- Add black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Lower the heat and let it cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavorful. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- To serve, spoon rice into bowls and top with the Cajun black-eyed pea mixture. Garnish with parsley, green onions, lemon wedges, and a dash of hot sauce if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, add extra cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce.
- Brown rice or quinoa can replace white rice for added nutrition.
- This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes