Black-Eyed Pea Tacos (Printer-Friendly)

Hearty mashed black-eyed peas with smoky spices in warm tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, onion, lime, and salsa for a protein-packed vegetarian meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Black-Eyed Pea Filling

01 - 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 - 2 tablespoons water

→ Taco Assembly

11 - 8 small corn or flour tortillas
12 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
13 - 1/2 cup white onion, finely diced
14 - 2 limes, cut into wedges
15 - 1 cup salsa

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add black-eyed peas, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to coat peas evenly with spices.
04 - Using a potato masher or fork, mash the peas while adding water as needed to achieve a chunky, spreadable consistency. Cook for 2 to 3 additional minutes, then remove from heat.
05 - Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
06 - Spoon seasoned mashed black-eyed pea mixture evenly into each tortilla.
07 - Top each taco with chopped cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
08 - Finish with salsa and serve immediately while tortillas are warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They're ready in 30 minutes flat, which means dinner happens before the evening really gets away from you.
  • These tacos sneak protein and fiber into something that tastes like pure comfort food, no health-conscious sacrifices required.
02 -
  • Don't over-mash the peas into submission—the texture should feel chunky and rustic, almost loose, so it holds together but still feels alive in your mouth.
  • Warm your tortillas right before serving, not five minutes ahead; that little window between warm and room temperature is when they lose their charm.
03 -
  • If your filling seems too dry while mashing, add water just a teaspoon at a time—it's easier to loosen than to thicken.
  • Toast your spices in the oil for 30 seconds before adding the peas, and they'll bloom into something much more fragrant and alive.
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