These Sloppy Black-Eyed Peas are one of my favorite recipes from my third cookbook, Vegan Slow Cooking for Two or Just You. They’re packed with wholesome ingredients and require very little hands-on time, making them ideal for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend meals.
Photo by Kate Lewis
The dish is a thick, stew-like mixture made by slow-cooking dry black-eyed peas with vegetables and Cajun seasoning. In a 1 1/2 to 2-quart slow cooker the peas soften and meld with the other ingredients to create a New Orleans–inspired Sloppy Joe alternative that’s rich in flavor and texture.
This recipe works well served inside a bun or ladled over an open-faced roll. Adding millet gives a subtle nutty-sweet note and boosts the meal’s iron and protein content, making it more satisfying. The recipe is naturally soy-free and can easily be made oil-free or gluten-free depending on the buns you choose.
Sloppy Black-Eyed Peas
2 servings
15 minutes
8 hours
8 hours 15 minutes
soy-free, oil-free, gluten-free option*
Ingredients
Morning ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1/3 cup black-eyed peas, dry (not soaked)
- 1/3 cup carrots, chopped
- 1/6 cup millet
- 2 tablespoons minced bell pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon liquid smoke, to taste
Evening ingredients:
- 1 cup minced greens (collards, kale, or similar)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 buns for serving (use gluten-free if needed)
Instructions
In the morning
- Add all the morning ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 9 hours.
Thirty minutes before serving
- Add the minced greens and the tomato paste, stirring to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper just before serving and add more Cajun seasoning if you like a bolder flavor.
- Serve open-faced by ladling the black-eyed pea mixture over a lightly toasted bun, or spoon it into buns for a classic Sloppy Joe presentation.
Nutrition Information
Amount Per Serving
Calories 305
Sodium 452mg
Carbohydrates 58g
Fiber 6g
Sugar 8g
Protein 11g
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More Recipes to Try
- 6 Vegan Slow Cooker Recipes for 2-Quart Crockpots
- Easy Vegan Slow Cooker Take-Out Recipes
- Slow Cooker Cabbage Steaks from The Revised Vegan Slow Cooker
- The Best Gluten-Free Vegan Brownies Made With a Surprise 1-Ingredient Flour!
Photo by Kate Lewis
Tips: For best results use a 1 1/2 to 2-quart slow cooker so the peas and millet cook to a thick, stew-like consistency. If you prefer a smokier profile, increase the liquid smoke slightly, but add it sparingly—little goes a long way. Leftovers refrigerate well and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in a microwave until warmed through. This simple recipe is adaptable: swap in different greens, adjust spice levels, or serve over grains for a gluten-free meal option.