Published on

Black Eyed Peas and Squid Umami Bake

Authors
  • avatar
    Name
    ChefPandas
    Twitter

🍽️ Recipe Overview

  • Cuisine : Mediterranean, Japanese
  • Dietary : High-Fiber
  • Difficulty : Easy
  • Cooking Method : Oven

👨‍🍳 Chef's Notes

For this recipe, the slow baking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and aromatic dish. The combination of black-eyed peas and squid may seem unusual, but the flavors complement each other surprisingly well, offering a unique and delightful culinary experience.

⭐ Why This Recipe Works

By slow baking the ingredients, the umami flavors from the squid infuse into the creamy black-eyed peas, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The high-fiber content of the black-eyed peas adds a nutritional boost to this dish, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal.

🧾 Ingredients

  • 300g black-eyed peas, cooked and drained (1 1/2 cups)
  • 2 squid tubes, cleaned and sliced into rings
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

🔪 Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. In a baking dish, combine the cooked black-eyed peas, sliced squid rings, olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Mix well to ensure the seasoning coats the ingredients evenly.
  4. In a small bowl, mix the tomato sauce and coconut milk.
  5. Pour the sauce over the black-eyed peas and squid mixture.
  6. Cover the baking dish with foil.

🥘 Cooking Instructions

  1. Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
    • Color : The sauce should be bubbling and slightly reduced.
    • Smell : Aromatic and savory notes should fill the kitchen.
  2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is slightly browned.
    • Texture : The squid should be tender, and the black-eyed peas creamy.
    • Sound : You might hear gentle sizzling from the bubbling sauce.

⏱️ Timing Breakdown

  • Preparation: 15 minutes
  • Cooking: 40 minutes

📊 Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 356 per serving
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 12g

🔄 Variations & Substitutions

  • Vegetarian Option : Replace squid with firm tofu for a plant-based alternative.
  • Low-Carb : Substitute black-eyed peas with lentils for a lower-carb version.

💡 Pro Tips

  • Ensure not to overcook the squid to maintain its delicate texture.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.

🌡️ Storage Instructions

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until heated through, ensuring not to overcook the squid.