Mchuzi wa Kunde (Black-Eyed Pea Stew)
A hearty and nutritious vegetarian stew made with black-eyed peas, vegetables, and aromatic spices, often served as a side dish or a light main.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Dried black-eyed peas(soaked overnight or for at least 8 hours)
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 0.5 inch Ginger(grated)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 4 cups Vegetable broth or water
- 1 tsp Coriander powder
- 0.5 tsp Cumin powder
- 0.25 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(freshly ground)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 0.25 cup Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Drain and rinse the soaked black-eyed peas. Set aside.
💡 Tip: Soaking helps reduce cooking time and improves digestibility. - 2
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
⏱️ 5-7 minutes - 3
Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 1 minute - 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, coriander powder, cumin powder, and turmeric powder. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spices are fragrant and the tomatoes have softened.
⏱️ 3-5 minutes - 5
Add the drained black-eyed peas to the pot. Pour in the vegetable broth or water, ensuring the peas are fully submerged.
💡 Tip: Use enough liquid to cover the peas by about an inch. - 6
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the black-eyed peas are tender.
⏱️ 30-40 minutes - 7
Season the stew with salt and black pepper to taste. If the stew is too thin, you can mash some of the peas against the side of the pot to thicken it.
💡 Tip: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - 8
Stir in fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving.
💡 Tip: Serve hot as a side dish with rice or ugali, or as a light vegetarian main.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a quicker version, you can use canned black-eyed peas, but rinse them thoroughly and add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- ✓Add other vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or spinach during the last 15-20 minutes of simmering.
- ✓A pinch of cayenne pepper can be added for a little heat.
🔄 Variations
- Add a can of diced tomatoes along with the fresh tomatoes for a more robust tomato flavor.
- Include a bay leaf during the simmering process for added depth of flavor.
- For a non-vegetarian version, you can add small pieces of cooked beef or chicken.