Black-Eyed Peas and Rice with Caramelized Onions and Pine Nuts
This wholesome rice & black eyed peas dish is inspired by “mujjadara”. Instead of cooking rice & lentils together, I have used cooked/leftover rice and swapped the lentils with black eyes peas. The caramelized onions are the star here. For an added texture, pine nuts are the perfect finishing touch. Feel free to use any variety of nuts that you have but do not skip the caramelized onions!
.Serves 4
Ingredients
3 cups cooked black eyed peas (see tips below)
2 -3 tbsp oil
1 large onion (finely chopped + 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
Salt, to taste
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 tsp all spice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1 1/2 cups cooked rice , preferably long-grained variety
2 tbsp toasted unsalted pine nuts (or any other other variety of nuts)
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
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Instructions
Heat oil in a deep skillet to medium-high, fry the onion slices until they are golden brown, caramelized & slightly crispy. This takes 15-20 min on medium-high. Make sure you stir the onions frequently. Once the onions appear brown, remove them using a slotted spoon and transfer them on to a plate.
To the same skillet, add the chopped onions, season with salt and sauté until golden, stirring often
Add the ground spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, all spice, cinnamon), stir until combined and cook for 3 minutes on medium heat, stirring often
Add the cooked black eyed peas and stir well to combine, 2 minutes
Add the cooked rice, mix well. Check for season and adjust, if needed
Serve the caramelized onions & pine nuts on top of the rice. Garnish with mint leaves (optional)
*Soak 1 cup dried black eyed peas in warm water for about an hour & cook in a large pot with plenty of water until they have softened but still have a little bite. Drain into a colander & set aside to cool before use
*Canned black eyed peas will get mushy in this recipe. For the right texture, use dried ones. You can find them most grocery stores in the aisle with dried beans, lentils.
*You can serve this with thick dairy free yogurt, sprinkled with some sumac. Or serve with some chopped tomatoes mixed with fresh mint and fresh lime juice
