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West Indian Rice & Peas With Tempeh

West Indian Rice & Peas With Tempeh recipe image
This West Indian-inspired dish brings the comforting flavors of the Caribbean to your table. The rice is cooked with unsweetened coconut and spices, creating a fragrant, fluffy base that pairs perfectly with tender black-eyed peas. Crispy, golden tempeh cubes provide a satisfying protein punch and hearty texture. Aromatic aromatics like garlic, onion, chile, and fennel add depth, while scallions provide a fresh finish. This meal is vibrant, filling, and naturally vegan. It&# 226;€™s ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you crave something soulful and exotic. The combination of earthy peas, sweet coconut, and savory tempeh creates a balanced plate that feels both rustic and refined. Serve it warm for a family-style feast or pack it for leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Cooking Method: , , ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 6
Calories: 372.1
Dietary: Gluten-free, Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
This West Indian-inspired dish brings the comforting flavors of the Caribbean to your table. The rice is cooked with unsweetened coconut and spices, creating a fragrant, fluffy base that pairs perfectly with tender black-eyed peas. Crispy, golden tempeh cubes provide a satisfying protein punch and hearty texture. Aromatic aromatics like garlic, onion, chile, and fennel add depth, while scallions provide a fresh finish. This meal is vibrant, filling, and naturally vegan. It&# 226;€™s ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you crave something soulful and exotic. The combination of earthy peas, sweet coconut, and savory tempeh creates a balanced plate that feels both rustic and refined. Serve it warm for a family-style feast or pack it for leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Ingredients
  • 2 cup Uncooked brown rice
  • 1/2 cup Unsweetened grated coconut
  • 2 1/2 tablespoon Vegetable oil
  • 4 cup Water
  • 1 cup Dried black eyed peas
Directions
  1. 1
    Rinse the brown rice thoroughly. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 1/2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat.
  2. 2
    Add the rinsed rice and unsweetened grated coconut. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant.
  3. 3
    Pour in 4 cups of water and add a cinnamon stick if desired. Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a rapid boil.
  4. 4
    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Do not lift the lid.
  5. 5
    Simmer the rice for 40 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes.
  6. 6
    While the rice cooks, place dried black-eyed peas in a pot of salted boiling water. Add 3 bay leaves.
  7. 7
    Boil the peas for 20-25 minutes until tender. Drain well and discard the bay leaves. Keep warm.
  8. 8
    In a large skillet, heat 1/4 cup of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic.
  9. 9
    Sauté the onion and garlic until the onions are soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  10. 10
    Add sliced chile and chopped bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 2 minutes until slightly softened.
  11. 11
    Add cubed tempeh, fennel, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to coat.
  12. 12
    Lower the heat and cook, stirring frequently, until the tempeh is crispy and golden brown on all sides.
  13. 13
    Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Gently fold in the drained black-eyed peas and the crispy tempeh mixture.
  14. 14
    Stir in chopped scallions. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 372.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20.7g32%
Saturated Fat 9.7g49%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 26.4mg2%
Total Carbohydrate 40.6g14%
Dietary Fiber 7.5g30%
Sugars 5.8g
Protein 7.4g15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: west indian, rice and peas, tempeh, black eyed peas, coconut rice, vegan main, caribbean style, plant based, soy protein, comfort food, gluten free option, spicy rice, bean recipe, family dinner, easy vegan, aromatic rice, tempeh stir fry, leftover friendly, healthy grain bowl
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/west-indian-rice-peas-with-tempeh/