Black Eyed Peas Recipe with Swiss Chard Over Mashed Cauliflower

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Black Eyed Peas Recipe with Swiss Chard over Mashed Cauliflower is a wonderfully balanced meal, offering a great mix of protein, fiber, and vitamins. The black-eyed peas are packed with protein, while the Swiss chard adds a burst of greens to brighten the dish. The creamy mashed cauliflower provides a smooth and comforting base, making this meal hearty without feeling heavy. The coconut milk and warm spices create an aromatic and flavorful sauce that ties everything together. Plus, it’s versatile – you can make it vegan, gluten-free, and it’s perfect for a variety of dietary needs. It’s truly a feel-good, flavorful dish that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight, or 4 cups canned black-eyed peas
• 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced small
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 ½ teaspoon garam masala (for a homemade recipe, click here)
• 2″ piece of fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup tomato paste
• 1 (13.5 ounces) can of light coconut milk (not coconut milk beverage)
• 1 tablespoon agave, maple syrup, or honey
• 2 cups of cleaned and cut Swiss Chard
• 1 head of fresh cauliflower, cut into florets (you may use frozen cauliflower as well)
• ⅓ cup raw cashews soaked in 1 cup of boiling water
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast

Directions

1. If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse them and soak them overnight. If using canned, drain and rinse the peas.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and garam masala to the pan. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring often until fragrant.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.
5. Add the soaked or canned black-eyed peas to the pan, followed by the coconut milk, 1 teaspoon salt, and agave or maple syrup. Stir well to combine and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. While the peas are simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
7. Drain the cauliflower and transfer it to a blender or food processor. Add the soaked cashews, ¾ teaspoon salt, pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and nutritional yeast. Blend until smooth and creamy.
8. Once the black-eyed peas are cooked through, stir in the Swiss chard and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until wilted.
9. To serve, spoon the creamy mashed cauliflower onto plates and top with the black-eyed peas and Swiss chard mixture.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30-40 minutes

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover black-eyed peas and Swiss chard mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The mashed cauliflower can be stored separately in the fridge as well. To reheat, simply microwave or heat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the mashed cauliflower gets too thick, add a splash of water or plant-based milk to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen black-eyed peas for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen black-eyed peas if you prefer. Just thaw them before using in the recipe.

2. Can I substitute Swiss chard with another leafy green?

Yes, if Swiss chard is not available, you can substitute with kale, spinach, or collard greens. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as necessary.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the black-eyed peas and Swiss chard mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat before serving.

4. Can I use a different type of nut for the cashews in the mashed cauliflower?

Yes, you can substitute cashews with almonds, macadamia nuts, or even sunflower seeds if you prefer.

5. Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is vegan as written. If you want to make it non-vegan, you can add dairy-based butter or cream to the mashed cauliflower instead of the olive oil and nutritional yeast.

6. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels of any pre-packaged ingredients to confirm they are gluten-free.

7. How can I make this dish spicier?

To add some heat, you can include a chopped chili pepper or some red pepper flakes to the onion and garlic mixture.

8. Can I use regular coconut milk instead of light coconut milk?

Yes, you can use regular coconut milk, but the dish will have a richer, creamier texture. Light coconut milk keeps the dish a bit lighter in texture.

9. Can I make this dish without the mashed cauliflower?

Sure! You can serve the black-eyed peas and Swiss chard mixture over rice, quinoa, or any grain of your choice if you prefer.

10. What other spices can I add to enhance the flavor?

Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, or coriander to customize the flavor to your liking.

Conclusion

This Black Eyed Peas Recipe with Swiss Chard over Mashed Cauliflower is a fantastic, hearty meal that brings together a rich blend of spices, creamy textures, and wholesome ingredients. It’s a great option for a satisfying vegan dinner or as a versatile dish for various dietary needs. Whether you’re looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet or simply want a comforting, flavorful dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!

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