African Spiced Peanut & Black-Eyed Pea Stew

Looking for a dish that's nutritious, filling, and bursting with flavor? This African-Spiced Black-Eyed Pea recipe checks all the boxes! It's easy to make with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you're cooking for yourself or your family, this meal is sure to become a favorite. Let's dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Black-eyed peas have a mild, nutty flavor, and when cooked, they become wonderfully creamy—making them the perfect base for hearty stews. They soak up the flavors of spices and other ingredients like coconut milk, peanuts, and tomatoes, creating a dish that's rich in taste and texture.

No Black-Eyed Peas? No Problem!

If you’re out of black-eyed peas, don’t worry! You can easily swap them out for white kidney beans or pinto beans. And when served over rice—whether it’s white or basmati—you’ve got a bowl of comfort food that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1⁄4 cup unsalted, roasted peanuts (or 3 tbsp. natural peanut butter)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp. ground coriander
• 1 tsp. ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp. tomato paste (or 1 cup of chopped canned tomatoes)
• 1 large can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
• 1 can coconut milk
• Water, as needed
• Oil, as needed
• Kosher salt, as needed
• Chopped cilantro and lime wedges, for garnish

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro
• Lime or lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Peanuts: Preheat a medium pot over medium heat. Add peanuts and toast for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat, let cool, and blend into a paste using a food processor or blender.
2. Cook the Onions: In the same pot, add oil and onions with a pinch of salt. Fry until golden brown.
3. Add the Spices: Stir in ground coriander, turmeric, and black pepper to release their aroma.
4. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in tomato paste (or canned tomatoes) and let the flavors come together.
5. Simmer with Black-Eyed Peas: Add rinsed black-eyed peas, coconut milk, and about 1/2 a can of water (more if needed). Mix in the ground peanuts. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with rice, and garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.

A Bowl of Comfort with Health Benefits

This dish isn’t just about bold flavors—it's packed with nutrition! Black-eyed peas are rich in protein and fiber, while the turmeric-black pepper combo adds anti-inflammatory properties. Feel good about every spoonful!

Pro Tip:

If you like your dish a bit saucier, feel free to add more water or coconut milk to adjust the consistency to your liking.

Looking for More African-Inspired Flavors?

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