Black-Eyed Pea Grain Bowl

Featured in: Earthy Comfort Dinners

This wholesome bowl combines protein-rich black-eyed peas with nutty farro or wild rice as the foundation. The vegetables develop deep, caramelized flavors when roasted with smoked paprika and cumin, creating layers of savory goodness. Fresh herbs and toasted seeds add brightness and satisfying crunch, while optional feta brings creamy tang. The dish comes together easily—grains simmer while vegetables roast, then everything gets assembled into nourishing bowls perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners.

Updated on Thu, 05 Feb 2026 23:30:11 GMT
Golden roasted vegetables and black-eyed peas atop a bed of nutty farro in a grain bowl. Save
Golden roasted vegetables and black-eyed peas atop a bed of nutty farro in a grain bowl. | olivebriar.com

This Black-Eyed Pea Grain Bowl is a hearty and wholesome dish featuring tender black-eyed peas layered over nutty farro or wild rice. Topped with an array of roasted vegetables and fresh herbs, it is a perfect meal for a nourishing lunch or dinner.

Golden roasted vegetables and black-eyed peas atop a bed of nutty farro in a grain bowl. Pin it
Golden roasted vegetables and black-eyed peas atop a bed of nutty farro in a grain bowl. | olivebriar.com

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Combining the earthy texture of farro with the sweetness of roasted sweet potato and red bell pepper, this grain bowl offers a balanced and satisfying eating experience. It is versatile enough for meal prep or a quick family dinner, fitting easily into vegetarian or vegan-friendly lifestyles.

Ingredients

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  • Grains: 1 cup farro or wild rice (uncooked), 2 cups water or vegetable broth, 1/2 tsp salt
  • Black-Eyed Peas: 1 1/2 cups cooked black-eyed peas (or 1 15-oz can, drained and rinsed)
  • Roasted Vegetables: 1 medium sweet potato (peeled and cubed), 1 red bell pepper (diced), 1 zucchini (sliced), 1 red onion (cut into wedges), 2 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh Herbs & Toppings: 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro (chopped), 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional), 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds, lemon wedges for serving
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Instructions

Step 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2
In a medium saucepan, combine farro or wild rice, water or broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook according to package instructions (about 25–30 minutes for farro, 40–45 minutes for wild rice). Drain any excess liquid.
Step 3
While the grains cook, toss sweet potato, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.
Step 4
Roast vegetables in the oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
Step 5
Warm the cooked black-eyed peas in a small saucepan or microwave if desired.
Step 6
To assemble the bowls, divide the cooked grains among four bowls. Top with black-eyed peas and roasted vegetables.
Step 7
Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs, feta (if using), and toasted seeds. Serve with lemon wedges.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

To ensure success, use a medium saucepan for the grains and a baking sheet for the vegetables. Essential tools include a sharp knife and cutting board for the produce, and measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. Be aware that this dish contains wheat if using farro, dairy if using feta, and seeds if using pumpkin or sunflower seeds.

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Varianten und Anpassungen

You can swap farro or wild rice for brown rice, quinoa, or barley as preferred. For a gluten-free version, use wild rice or certified gluten-free grains. To make the dish dairy-free or vegan, simply omit the feta cheese. For a spicy kick, sprinkle the finished bowls with chili flakes or your favorite hot sauce.

Serviervorschläge

For extra flavor, drizzle the bowls with a tahini-lemon or herbed vinaigrette. You can also add avocado slices or a poached egg for extra richness. Based on a serving with farro and feta, each bowl contains approximately 390 calories, 13g of protein, 60g of carbohydrates, and 11g of fat.

A hearty Black-Eyed Pea Grain Bowl with bright herbs, crumbled feta, and toasted pumpkin seeds. Pin it
A hearty Black-Eyed Pea Grain Bowl with bright herbs, crumbled feta, and toasted pumpkin seeds. | olivebriar.com

Whether enjoyed immediately or prepped ahead for the week, this Black-Eyed Pea Grain Bowl is a wholesome way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of roasted vegetables and hearty grains in one beautiful dish.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this grain bowl ahead of time?

Absolutely. The grains, roasted vegetables, and black-eyed peas all store well for 4-5 days in the refrigerator. Keep components separate and assemble bowls when ready to eat for best texture.

What grains work best as a farro substitute?

Brown rice, quinoa, barley, or even wild rice alone make excellent alternatives. Cooking times vary slightly, so adjust according to package directions.

How do I make this completely vegan?

Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a vegan alternative or avocado slices. The rest of the bowl is naturally plant-based and dairy-free.

Can I use canned black-eyed peas?

Yes, canned black-eyed peas work perfectly. Rinse and drain them thoroughly before adding to your bowl. One 15-ounce can equals about 1½ cups cooked peas.

What other vegetables can I roast?

Butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or eggplant all roast beautifully. Choose vegetables that cook at similar rates, or add faster-cooking items halfway through roasting.

Is this bowl gluten-free?

Use wild rice, brown rice, or certified gluten-free grains instead of farro. Ensure all other ingredients, especially seasonings, are certified gluten-free.

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Black-Eyed Pea Grain Bowl

Hearty bowls with black-eyed peas, farro, roasted sweet potato, bell pepper, and zucchini finished with herbs and crunchy seeds.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American Fusion

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Grains

01 1 cup farro or wild rice, uncooked
02 2 cups water or vegetable broth
03 1/2 teaspoon salt

Black-Eyed Peas

01 1 1/2 cups cooked black-eyed peas or 1 15-ounce can, drained and rinsed

Roasted Vegetables

01 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
02 1 red bell pepper, diced
03 1 medium zucchini, sliced
04 1 red onion, cut into wedges
05 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh Herbs & Toppings

01 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
02 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese, optional for vegan
03 1/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
04 Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 02

Cook grains: In a medium saucepan, combine farro or wild rice, water or broth, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook according to package instructions, approximately 25 to 30 minutes for farro or 40 to 45 minutes for wild rice. Drain any excess liquid.

Step 03

Prepare vegetables: While the grains cook, toss sweet potato, bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet.

Step 04

Roast vegetables: Roast vegetables in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized.

Step 05

Warm legumes: Warm the cooked black-eyed peas in a small saucepan or microwave if desired.

Step 06

Assemble bowls: Divide the cooked grains among four bowls. Top each with black-eyed peas and roasted vegetables.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Garnish each bowl with fresh herbs, feta cheese if using, and toasted seeds. Serve with lemon wedges.

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Tools You'll Need

  • Medium saucepan
  • Baking sheet
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat if using farro
  • Contains dairy if using feta cheese
  • Contains seeds if using pumpkin or sunflower seeds
  • For gluten-free preparation, use wild rice or certified gluten-free grains

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 390
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 60 g
  • Protein: 13 g

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