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Wholesome Black Eyed Peas Crock Pot Bowl Easy Recipe for Lemony Kale Lovers

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A comforting and nourishing crock pot recipe featuring slow-cooked black eyed peas paired with fresh, zesty lemon kale for a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup dried black eyed peas (soaked overnight or quick-soaked)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth if not vegetarian)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups fresh kale, tough stems removed and leaves chopped
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, toasted pumpkin seeds or walnuts, drizzle of tahini or a dollop of Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. If using dried peas, soak them overnight in plenty of water. For a quick soak, cover with water, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let sit 1 hour. Drain and rinse before cooking.
  2. Add soaked black eyed peas, diced onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, bay leaf, and vegetable broth into the crock pot. Stir to combine.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until peas are tender but not mushy. Stir gently and check liquid levels halfway through cooking, adding more broth or water if needed.
  4. Remove the bay leaf. Season the peas generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust spices as needed.
  5. Toss chopped kale with olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and salt in a mixing bowl. Massage the kale gently for 2-3 minutes until softened and bright green.
  6. Spoon a generous serving of the black eyed peas base into bowls. Top with lemony kale mixture and optional toppings like fresh herbs, nuts, or tahini.
  7. Serve warm and enjoy.

Notes

Soaking dried black eyed peas overnight yields the best texture. Massaging kale with lemon juice and olive oil softens the leaves and mellows bitterness. Adjust seasoning at the end to taste. Use canned peas for quicker preparation but add them in the last hour to avoid mushiness. The recipe can be adapted for Instant Pot pressure cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: black eyed peas, crock pot, slow cooker, lemony kale, healthy bowl, vegan, gluten-free, easy recipe, nourishing meal

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/wholesome-black-eyed-peas-crock-pot-bowl-easy-recipe-for-lemony-kale-lovers/