Black-Eyed Pea Stew

This hearty and wholesome Black-Eyed Pea Stew, also known as Lobiya, is a budget-friendly, one-pot vegetarian dish that brings deep comfort and rich flavor. With simple ingredients like black-eyed peas, tomato sauce, and warming spices, it’s ideal for cozy nights or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how nourishing and satisfying this stew is without needing any meat. It’s made with pantry staples and a short list of ingredients but delivers a depth of flavor that tastes like it simmered all day. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for feeding a family on a budget, and it reheats beautifully for leftovers.

ingredients

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

16 ounces black-eyed peas, uncooked
1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 small onions, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
3/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 1/2 cups water or broth
1 teaspoon granulated sugar

directions

I start by placing the black-eyed peas in a large bowl and covering them with water. I soak them for about 2 hours, then drain and rinse them well.

In a large pot, I add the soaked peas and about 6 cups of water. I bring it to a boil and cook the peas for 15 minutes. Then I drain them and set them aside.

In a separate deep pot, I heat the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. I add the chopped onions, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then sauté for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.

Next, I stir in the tomato sauce, tomato paste, and water or broth. I reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

I then add the black-eyed peas and sugar to the pot, stir everything together, cover, and let it cook for another 15 to 20 minutes until the peas are tender but not mushy.

I serve it warm, either on its own or with some crusty bread or rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep Time: 2 hours (including soak time)
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 280 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers during the sauté step for extra veggies. For a spicy kick, I stir in red pepper flakes or chopped chili. When I want more richness, I use broth instead of water. And for a meaty twist, I add browned ground beef or chopped sausage.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I skip soaking the peas?

I prefer soaking them to reduce cooking time and improve texture, but I can cook them longer if I skip the soak.

Can I use canned black-eyed peas?

Yes, I drain and rinse them, then reduce the simmer time since they’re already cooked.

What can I serve with this stew?

I often serve it with rice, flatbread, or a simple green salad.

Can I make this in advance?

Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop more overnight.

Is this stew vegan?

It’s vegetarian as written, but I use plant-based butter to make it completely vegan.

How do I thicken the stew?

I let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer or mash a few of the peas to help thicken the texture.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, I cook the sautéed onions, garlic, and spices first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

What other beans can I use?

I’ve made this with pinto beans, kidney beans, and chickpeas. The flavor changes slightly, but it still works well.

Can I add greens?

Definitely. I stir in chopped spinach, kale, or collard greens in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes, I freeze individual portions in containers and thaw overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

This Black-Eyed Pea Stew (Lobiya) is one of my favorite comforting, budget-conscious meals. It’s wholesome, delicious, and flexible enough to suit whatever I have in the pantry. Whether I serve it as a main or a side, it always hits the spot and warms me right up.

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