Pair them with collard greens—the ultimate money charm that helps you make it rain—and finish it off with smoky, spicy jerk seasoning. Our Queen Nanny Jerk Seasoning, named after the Jamaican Maroon freedom fighter who led her people to liberation, brings bold heat and a history of resilience to every bite. This dish is a love letter to history, healing, and bold flavors. Share it with those you love and watch the magic happen!

Peace and Prosperity, Sunyatta

Black-Eyed Peas: A Global Traveler

Black-eyed peas carry cultural, culinary, and spiritual significance wherever they land, telling stories of survival, freedom, and abundance:

• Ghana and Brazil: In Ghana, black-eyed peas become Akara fritters, which traveled to Brazil as Acarajé, stuffed with shrimp stews and revered in sacred Candomblé rituals.
• United States: In the South, black-eyed peas shine in Hoppin’ John, paired with collard greens for wealth and cornbread for gold—New Year’s Day magic for prosperity.
• Caribbean: In Trinidad and Tobago, black-eyed peas anchor pelau, a one-pot dish symbolizing unity and shared blessings.
• South Africa: Black-eyed peas are featured in umngqusho, a Xhosa dish with samp and beans, representing community and nourishment.
• Morocco: Known as lubiya, black-eyed peas are paired with warm spices in stews, symbolizing grounding and protection.
• ⁠Central America: In Belize, called cheque, black-eyed peas simmer in coconut milk, symbolizing renewal and wholeness.
• Egypt: Known as lobia, black-eyed peas appear in stews with tomatoes and spices, symbolizing sustenance and vitality.

Ingredients

• ⁠2 tbsp olive oil (anti-inflammatory, heart smart)
• ⁠2 tbsp arrowroot powder (gentle thickener, gluten-free)
• ⁠1 medium onion (diced; immune-boosting, heart health)
• ⁠1 bell pepper (diced; vitamin-rich, energizing)
• ⁠2 celery stalks (diced; digestive support, hydrating)
• ⁠4 garlic cloves (minced; antimicrobial, circulatory health)
• ⁠4 Field Roast veggie sausages (2 chorizo and 2 Italian for a perfect balance; protein-rich, plant-powered goodness)
• ⁠1 tbsp Calabash Black Lava Salt (electrolytes + minerals)
• ⁠1 tsp Calabash Ground Cayenne (vitamins A + C, circulation-boosting)
• ⁠2 tbsp Queen Nanny Jerk Seasoning (warming, metabolism-supporting)
• ⁠1 cup coconut milk (creamy, good fats for brain health)
• ⁠1 ½ cups dried black-eyed peas (soaked overnight; protein-packed, protective magic)
• ⁠2 cups collard greens (chopped bite-size; mineral-rich, detoxifying, abundance-promoting)
• ⁠3 medium or 2 large tomatoes (diced; lycopene-rich, heart health)
• ⁠2 tbsp soy sauce (umami flavor, mineral boost)
• ⁠1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (digestion-friendly, balancing)
• ⁠1 tsp liquid smoke (optional smoky depth)
• 3 ½ cups vegetable broth (or water with 2 vegetable bouillon cubes dissolved; hydrating and flavorful)

Instructions

Prepare the Base
Set your Instant Pot to Sauté Mode. Add olive oil and sliced veggie sausages. Brown them until golden and fragrant, then remove and set aside.

Build the Flavor
Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened and aromatic. Sprinkle in arrowroot powder and stir to form a smooth paste. Gradually whisk in the vegetable broth or bouillon mixture to dissolve the roux.

Combine the Ingredients
Stir in soaked black-eyed peas, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, jerk seasoning, Calabash Black Lava Salt, and Calabash Ground Cayenne. Add the collard greens and browned sausage slices on top.

Cook the Magic
Seal the Instant Pot lid and set to Pressure Cook on high for 35 minutes. Allow a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release.

Blend with Care
Add 2 cups portion of the gumbo in a blender. Use caution when blending hot ingredients to avoid steam buildup. Add back to the pot and stir.

Finish and Adjust
Stir in apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, and liquid smoke (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Calabash Black Lava Salt or Cayenne if needed.

Serve
Ladle the gumbo over cooked brown rice or fonio (find our recipe on the blog). Garnish with fresh parsley or scallions if desired.