Discover the vibrant flavors of West Africa with our tantalizing Red Red, a hearty stewed black-eyed peas dish that promises to transport your taste buds to sunny shores and bustling markets! This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of culture and tradition, featuring a rich blend of spices and ingredients that come together in a symphony of flavor. With just 40 minutes of your time, you can whip up a dish that serves 4 and is perfect for any occasion. Ready to impress your family and friends with a culinary adventure? Let’s dive into the delicious world of Red Red!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: West African
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups black-eyed peas, cooked
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup palm oil
- 1 teaspoon ground pepper
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping the onion, red bell pepper, and tomatoes. Ensure the black-eyed peas are already cooked and drained.
- Heat the palm oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Palm oil will give a distinctive orange-red color and rich flavor characteristic of West African cuisine.
- Add chopped onions to the heated palm oil and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate the chopped red bell pepper and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add diced tomatoes to the pan and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to break down and release their natural juices.
- Gently fold in the cooked black-eyed peas, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Sprinkle ground pepper and salt over the stew, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer the stew for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt or ground pepper to suit your preference.
- Remove from heat and let the stew rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully develop.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, consider cooking your black-eyed peas in advance or using canned ones. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the stew.
- Customize Your Spice: If you enjoy a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped chili peppers along with the ground pepper for a spicy kick.
- Perfect Palm Oil: The key to authentic flavor is high-quality palm oil. Look for unrefined palm oil for the best taste and vibrant color.
- Add Vegetables: For extra nutrition, you can toss in some chopped spinach or kale towards the end of cooking. They will wilt beautifully and add a pop of color.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Red Red is traditionally served with fried plantains or rice. Consider pairing it with one of these for a complete and satisfying meal.
- Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy the enhanced flavors.
- Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste your stew as it simmers. Adjust the seasoning to your liking for the perfect balance of flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg
