Cajun Rice and Black Eyed Peas

Packed with bold flavors and hearty ingredients, Cajun Rice and Black-Eyed Peas is a vibrant one-pot dish that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Louisiana. This easy-to-make recipe combines tender black-eyed peas, perfectly spiced long-grain rice, and the "holy trinity" of Cajun cooking—onions, bell peppers, and celery. Enhanced by the warmth of Cajun seasoning, smoky paprika, and aromatic dried thyme, every bite bursts with Southern charm. Add savory andouille sausage for a non-vegetarian twist or keep it veggie-friendly for a wholesome, comforting meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this flavorful dish comes together in under an hour and is beautifully garnished with fresh parsley and green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces andouille sausage (optional, for non-vegetarian version)
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1.5 cups long-grain rice
• 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 cups canned black-eyed peas (rinsed and drained)
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1.5 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 stalks green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Step 2

If using andouille sausage, slice it into rounds and cook in the skillet for 4-5 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the long-grain rice and toast it lightly for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

Step 6

Add the chicken or vegetable broth, canned black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes (with juices), Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

If using sausage, stir it back into the skillet during the last 5 minutes of cooking to heat through.

Step 9

Once the dish is done, fluff the rice with a fork and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2325.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1910.4

Total Fat 89.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 26.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 133.4mg	0%
Sodium 9922.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 202.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.8g	0%
Total Sugars 32.8g
Protein 73.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 405.8mg	0%
Iron 17.5mg	0%
Potassium 2953.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 42.0%

Protein: 15.5%

Carbs: 42.5%