Why this fits a family on a budget
Using canned beans and pantry spices keeps this well under $1.60 per serving, fitting comfortably within a $55/week budget. The stew comes together in one skillet in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for a fast weeknight dinner.
• 2 cans (15oz) canned black-eyed peas
• 1 can (14.5oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 1 medium green bell pepper
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1.5 cups dry long grain white rice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1. Start rice first: combine 1.5 cups rice with 3 cups water and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and rice is fluffy.
2. While rice cooks, dice the onion and green bell pepper into small 1/2-inch pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
3. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers (about 1 minute), add the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4–5 minutes until the onion turns translucent and softened.
4. Add the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne to the skillet. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant — you will smell the spices bloom.
5. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, pressing it around the pan until it darkens slightly to a deep red.
6. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (with juice) and vegetable broth. Stir to combine everything and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.
7. Drain and rinse the canned black-eyed peas, then add them to the skillet. Stir well and reduce heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the peas. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Spoon the stew over the rice in bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Cost is a national-average estimate and varies by store and region.
This recipe was generated by Plento Pasto's AI from a library of family-friendly dishes and reviewed for a real photo before publishing. Cooking times, costs, and nutrition are estimates — use your judgment in the kitchen.