| Prep: 30 mins | Cook: 45 mins – 1 hr | Difficulty: Moderate | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 634 | 27g | 12g | 73g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 13g | 31g | 0.98g |
Why I Love Nigerian Black-eyed Pea Porridge
If there’s one thing I love about cooking, it’s the unexpected fusion of cultures happening right in my own kitchen. Today, I’m inviting you to join me in that experience as we delve into the robust and heartwarming flavors of a traditional Nigerian dish – the Black-eyed Pea Porridge. This recipe, in all its simplicity, takes me back to my roots, while adding a delightful twist to my staple repertoire of hearty mountain cuisine.
The Unmistakable Flavor Story
The Black-eyed Pea Porridge, in my opinion, is a wonderful metaphor for Nigeria- vibrant, diverse, and rich in flavors. The amalgamation of ingredients such as scotch bonnet pepper, smoked fish, dried shrimp, and crayfish create an orchestra of tastes that your palate will surely appreciate. On cold winter evenings, cozying up with Gordon and sharing a pot of this warming porridge feels just like our treasured moments by the cozy fireplace back in the Rockies.
Inspired By A Culinary Great
Being a consummate lover of global cuisines, it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t mention the immense inspiration drawn from renowned Nigerian Chef Tunde Wey. His powerful narratives connecting race, immigration, and food have always spurred me to broaden my culinary horizons. This recipe, albeit modest in comparison to his culinary artistry, is a testament to that inspiration.
The preparation process, starting from the soaking of black-eyed peas to the final garnish, almost feels like a ritual, connecting you back to the traditions of the Nigerian community. It’s more than just food; it’s a cultural immersion that strings together history, tradition, and love for a good, hearty meal.
Fusing Cultures, Creating Memories
As an adventurous cook, originally from the Rockies, my heart never strays far from the smoky profile of game meats or the freshness of trout. But, stepping out of that comfort zone has led me to discover this beautiful dish from a culture so different from my own.
While the ingredient list of the Black-eyed Pea Porridge might seem intimidating initially, the heartening fusion that it results in is definitely worth the effort. A bowl full of this porridge is not just sustenance, but a wholesome embrace of Nigerian culture, making it a must-try in my book.
I encourage you to dive in and explore the intricacies of this recipe, immersing yourself in this beautifully crafted culinary journey. Just as it does for me, it might open up a world of new tastes and experiences. Bon Appétit!
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of black-eyed peas
- 4 cups of water
- 1 medium red bell pepper
- 1 medium green bell pepper
- 2 medium onions
- 1 cup of palm oil
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper
- 2 Knorr cubes (bullion cubes)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 cup of diced smoked fish
- 1/2 cup of diced dried shrimp
- 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon of thyme
- 1 teaspoon of curry powder
- 2 cups of roughly blended crayfish
Method
Step One
Begin by soaking the black-eyed peas in a bowl filled with 4 cups of water. Let the peas sit for about an hour to soften.
Step Two
While the peas are soaking, dice the red and green bell peppers and onions. Set aside for later. Also, finely chop the scotch bonnet pepper, but be cautious as it is very spicy.
Step Three
In a large pot, heat the palm oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions, bell peppers and scotch bonnet pepper. Sauté until they become translucent and soft.
Step Four
Next, add in the minced garlic, dice smoked fish, diced dried shrimp, thyme, and curry powder. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
Step Five
Once the black-eyed peas are softened, drain the water and add the peas to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine with the other ingredients in the pot.
Step Six
Add in the bullion cubes, salt, and roughly blended crayfish. Stir well and allow the mixture to simmer for about 30 to 45 minutes over low heat until the peas become tender and the flavors are well combined.
Step Seven
After that time, check the peas. If they are cooked to your desired softness, your Black-eyed Pea Porridge is ready to serve. Enjoy!
