Spicy Black-Eyed Pea Recipe

This dish infuses traditional black-eyed peas with the Afro-Asian flavors that are at the heart of “Between Harlem and Heaven:” cumin and cilantro, bird’s-eye chile and lime. You can use canned peas for ease and not sacrifice any of the bold flavors. It’s a comforting weeknight dish that will also hold pride of place at any Sunday supper.

From the book Between Harlem and Heaven by JJ Johnson and Alexander Smalls. Copyright © 2018 by JJ Johnson and Alexander Smalls. Reprinted with permission from Flatiron Books. All rights reserved. 

1. In a 6-quart pot heat the oil over medium high heat. Add the onion, sprinkle with salt, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the carrot, celery, chile, and cuin and cook for 2 additional minutes.

2. Add the chipotles in adobo and break the chiles up with a wooden spoon, Bring to a simmer and cook to reduce the sauce down for 1 minute.

3. Add the cilantro and peas, then pour in the stock. Add the lime juice and zest and bring to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium.

4. Let the beans simmer for about 30 minutes, uncovered, until the sauce is reduced but the beans still hold their shape. Remove the pieces of lime zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve.