Name: Jamaican Black Eyed Pea Curry: 5 Reasons to Love It
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Jamaican
Ingredients: 1 tsp oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1-3 scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, seeded if desired and minced; 3 sprigs fresh thyme; 2 1/2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder; 1 – 1 1/2 tsp salt, to taste; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 lb (~4 small) yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced; 3 cups black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed; 2 cups water; 1 cup coconut milk; 1/4 cup lime juice (~2 limes)

Jamaican Black Eyed Pea curry is not just a dish; it’s an experience packed with rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. This creamy, vegan delight is a staple in Jamaican cuisine, combining the earthy taste of black-eyed peas with aromatic spices. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a nutritious side dish, this recipe is the perfect answer. It’s easy to prepare and is sure to satisfy everyone at the table!

Why You’ll Love This Jamaican Black Eyed Pea

This delightful dish offers a range of benefits. First, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Second, black-eyed peas are a fantastic source of protein, providing about 8 grams per serving. Third, this dish is bursting with flavor thanks to the Jamaican curry powder and fresh herbs. Fourth, it’s versatile; you can serve it with rice, in a salad, or as a main course. Fifth, it’s quick and easy to prepare, perfect for weeknight dinners. Lastly, Jamaican style black-eyed peas are a great way to introduce your family to new flavors!

Ingredients for Jamaican Black Eyed Pea

Gather these items:

1 tsp oil
1 yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1-3 scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, seeded if desired and minced
3 sprigs fresh thyme
2 1/2 tbsp Jamaican curry powder
1 – 1 1/2 tsp salt, to taste
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 lb (~4 small) yukon gold potatoes, peeled and diced
3 cups black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
2 cups water
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup lime juice (~2 limes)

How to Make Jamaican Black Eyed Pea Step-by-Step

Step 1: Heat a pot over medium heat, and add the oil, onion, and garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Add the scotch bonnet or habanero peppers, thyme, curry powder, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Stir to coat and cook for 30 seconds. Add the potatoes and sauté for 1 minute. Then add the black-eyed peas and water. Partially cover, bring to a simmer, and cook until the potatoes are fork tender, about 12-15 minutes.
Step 3: Add the coconut milk and continue to simmer with the lid off for 15 minutes to reduce and meld the flavors. Turn off the heat and add the lime juice. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Pro Tips for the Best Jamaican Black Eyed Pea

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of scotch bonnet or habanero peppers.
For a thicker curry, let it simmer longer to reduce the liquid.

Jamaican Black Eyed Pea Curry: 5 Reasons to Love It - Jamaican Black Eyed Pea - main visual representation

Best Ways to Serve Jamaican Black Eyed Pea

This dish is incredibly versatile! You can serve it over fluffy rice, pair it with collard greens for a traditional Jamaican meal, or even toss it into a salad for a fresh twist. Jamaican black-eyed pea salad is a great way to enjoy the flavors cold!

How to Store and Reheat Jamaican Black Eyed Pea

To store leftovers, let the curry cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. This dish is perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Jamaican Black Eyed Pea

What’s the secret to perfect Jamaican Black Eyed Pea?

The secret lies in using quality spices and allowing the flavors to meld. Sautéing the onions and garlic until soft creates a flavorful base.

Can I make Jamaican Black Eyed Pea ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish can be made in advance and reheated for a quick meal. The flavors often deepen after a day in the refrigerator.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Jamaican Black Eyed Pea?

To avoid common mistakes, be careful not to overcook the potatoes, and taste as you go to adjust seasoning. Balance is key!

Variations of Jamaican Black Eyed Pea You Can Try

For a different twist, consider adding vegetables like spinach or carrots. You can also make a Jamaican black-eyed pea stew recipe by adding more liquid for a soupier consistency. Another option is to make a Jamaican black-eyed pea curry with chickpeas for added texture!

Jamaican Black Eyed Pea Curry: 5 Reasons to Love It - Jamaican Black Eyed Pea - additional detail

For more information on the health benefits of black-eyed peas, check out this Healthline article.

For tips on cooking with spices, visit Spiceography.

Lastly, if you’re interested in learning more about Jamaican cuisine, you can explore this resource.