Vegetarian Black-Eyed Pea Stew

jovigirl's Note:

This sounds wonderful. I wish it were cold at night here but not right now. Maybe some of you can try this now in your area though! (source - surfing net)

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 6

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 medium onion, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 celery rib, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 6 cups water
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 medium sweet potatoes or 1 medium yam, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 medium parsnip, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 teaspoons crushed dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup long-grain white rice
• 1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a large, heavy-duty pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, celery and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes, or until softened. Add water, carrots, sweet potato, parsnip, parsley, oregano, salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add rice and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is tender. Add black-eyed peas and cook until thoroughly heated.
2. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Serve in shallow bowls with bread, if desired.

Reviews

[windhorse23]

Unfortunately, it was just OK. Pretty bland. I made the recipe as written, but it was very watery--more like a soup than a stew. So I added some couscous and some lentils to thicken it up. Then I used the previous reviewer's idea of adding a little butter and some Greek seasoning. Still bland. So I added some diced Anaheim pepper. I still might make this again, because I love black eyed peas, but I will plan to add a lot more seasoning next time.

[Sharon123]

A very nice meatless meal! I didn't have parsnips, so used a little more sweet potato. I did add some Greek seasoning and a little margarine at the end to spice it up just a little. I also added a little veggie "chicken" broth to the water while cooking. Some friends camem and sampled it and just loved it! Thanks!