Jammin’ Jerk Black-Eyed Peas

Ya’ll I’m always looking for creative ways to include more beans in my diet. They are a healthy source of protein with a slew of other health benefits. Sure I could just open a can of black beans and slide them on a plate but that gets boring after awhile. I like to look for ways to spice it up. So when I stumbled upon the concept of jerk beans I was so geeked! I love all things Caribbean food so this was right up my alley.

The twist that I love in this jerk black-eyed peas recipe is the addition of Creole Tang from It’s Seasoned, a business started by fellow sista and name-twin, Whitney Frederic. Sadly, African Americans in the U.S. have the highest rate of hypertension in the world. Whitney created It’s Seasoned so that our food can still taste great without compromising our health. I’ve been able to try her seasonings and they are amazing!

Whitney is offering 15% off of the purchase of It’s Seasoned Creole Tang which I used in the recipe below. Use the code: “eat plants prosper” to snag the deal!

I love this recipe because it’s easy and ready in 30 minutes. Serve it with my pineapple salsa for a real island feel. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb frozen black eyed peas
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 Tbsp jerk seasoning
• 1 Tbsp It’s Seasoned Creole Tang
• 14oz can coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• Cooked brown rice (about 2 cups)
• Green onions, sliced (optional garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat avocado oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and cook until the onions are translucent (about 2 - 3 minutes).
2. Add the black-eyed peas, jerk and creole tang seasoning and the vegetable broth to the pot. Stir, put a lid on the pot and turn the heat up to high to bring to a boil. After it reaches a boil, turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer until the peas are super tender (about 20 minutes).
3. When your peas are super tender, turn the heat off and add the coconut milk. Use a potato masher to smash some of the peas in the pot to help them thicken up. Taste the peas and add salt or more jerk seasoning or creole tang as needed.
4. Serve with cooked rice, top with green onions and pineapple salsa.