Quick and Easy Recipe for Delicious Black Eyed Peas

If you’re looking for a comfort dish that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, black eyed peas might just be your perfect fit. This southern-style dish is a staple in many households, especially on New Year’s Day. It’s said that eating black eyed peas on the first day of the year brings good luck and prosperity. But why wait until then to enjoy this delicious meal?

The recipe for black eyed peas is simple and customizable, so you can adjust the ingredients to your liking. Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a more mild taste, black eyed peas can be tailored to suit your taste buds. Plus, they’re a budget-friendly dish that can be made in a slow cooker, on the stovetop, or even in an Instant Pot. In this article, we’ll go over the different ways you can make black eyed peas and share some tips for getting the perfect flavor every time.

Black Eyed Peas – How to Make

If you’re looking for a hearty and nutritious meal, look no further than black eyed peas. These legumes are rich in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, making them a popular choice for those seeking a healthy and delicious meal. So, if you’re wondering how to make black eyed peas, read on!

1. Ingredients

Before we delve into the recipe, let’s take a look at what you’ll need. You’ll need 1 pound of dried black eyed peas, 8 cups of water or broth, 1 onion, 3 cloves of garlic, 1 green bell pepper, 2 stalks of celery, 2 bay leaves, and a few sprigs of thyme.

2. Soaking

Before you begin cooking, it’s important to soak your black eyed peas. This will help to reduce cooking time as well as make them more easily digestible. To soak the peas, place them in a large bowl with enough water to cover them and let them sit overnight.

3. Preparation

Once you’ve soaked your black eyed peas, it’s time to prepare the other ingredients. Chop the onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and celery into small pieces.

4. Cooking

In a large pot, add the soaked black eyed peas, water or broth, chopped onion, garlic, green bell pepper, and celery. Add the bay leaves and thyme, and bring everything to a boil.

5. Reduce Heat

Once your pot has come to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the black eyed peas cook for about 45 minutes to an hour.

6. Stirring

Be sure to stir the black eyed peas occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

7. Testing

After about 45 minutes, test the black eyed peas to see if they’re done. They should be tender but not mushy.

8. Taste Test

Once the black eyed peas are cooked to your liking, it’s time for a taste test. Add salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed.

9. Serving

Black eyed peas make a great side dish or can even stand on their own as a main dish. Serve them with cornbread, rice, or any other of your favorite sides.

10. Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for up to five days and make for a quick and easy meal throughout the week.

In conclusion, making black eyed peas is simple and delicious. By following these steps, you’ll have a nutritious and flavorful meal in no time. So, next time you’re in the mood for a healthy and satisfying meal, give black eyed peas a try!

How To Cook Black Eyed Peas

Black eyed peas are a type of legume that are perfect for slow-cooking. They’re not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, including fiber, protein, and vitamins. So, if you’re looking to make a hearty and nutritious meal, black-eyed peas are the way to go. Below we’ll outline how to cook perfect black-eyed peas.

Step 1: Soaking

Before you start cooking your black-eyed peas, you’ll want to soak them first. This helps speed up the cooking process and makes the peas more tender. Place your black-eyed peas in a large bowl and cover them with enough water to cover them by at least one inch. Soak for at least four hours or overnight for best results.

Step 2: Boiling

Once your peas are soaked, it’s time to start cooking. Drain the soaking water and rinse your peas. Place the peas in a large pot and add enough water to cover them by about two inches. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer.

Step 3: Adding Flavour

To add flavour to your black-eyed peas, you can add a variety of ingredients. Some popular options include onions, garlic, bay leaves, bacon, ham hocks, or smoked turkey. These ingredients not only add flavour but also help to tenderize the peas.

Step 4: Cooking Time

The cooking time for black-eyed peas can vary depending on how soft you prefer them. Typically, they will take about 45 minutes to an hour to cook through. However, if you like your peas softer, you can cook them for longer.

Step 5: Seasoning

Once the peas are cooked through, it’s time to add some seasoning. Salt and pepper are common choices, but you can also add cumin, paprika, or any other herbs or spices that suit your taste.

Step 6: Serving

Your black-eyed peas are now ready to serve. They make the perfect side dish for any meal. Some people like to serve them with cornbread or rice for a complete Southern-style meal.

Step 7: Leftovers

If you have any leftover black-eyed peas, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for up to three days. You can also freeze your leftover black-eyed peas for up to six months.

Step 8: Cooking Variations

While boiling is the most common method for cooking black-eyed peas, there are also other cooking variations that you can try. For example, you can cook them in a slow cooker or pressure cooker for a different texture and taste.

Step 9: Health Benefits

In addition to being delicious, black-eyed peas are also very healthy for you. They are full of fiber, which helps aid digestion and can reduce the risk of heart disease. They’re also a great source of protein and iron, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians or anyone looking to increase iron intake.

Step 10: Experimenting

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with your black-eyed peas. Try adding your own unique twist to this classic dish by using different herbs, spices, or cooking methods. With a little creativity, you can turn this simple dish into something truly exceptional.

Ingredients needed for making black-eyed peas

Making black-eyed peas is an essential part of many Southern kitchens, and there are many different ways to prepare them. But regardless of how you plan to cook them, you will need some basic ingredients to get started. Below are some must-have ingredients for making black-eyed peas:

Preparing the black-eyed peas

There are several basic steps to preparing black-eyed peas. Below are the steps to follow:

1. Soaking the black-eyed peas

Soaking the black-eyed peas is an essential step as it helps them cook evenly and makes them easier to digest. You can either soak them overnight on the counter or boil them for an hour beforehand with some baking soda.

2. Cooking the bacon and onion

Cook the bacon and onion on medium heat in a large pot, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and the bacon is browned. Once the bacon and onion are cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside.

3. Add garlic and bay leaves

Add the garlic and bay leaves to the pot and cook for a minute or until fragrant.

4. Add water and peas

Add the soaked peas and six cups of water to the pot.

5. Simmering

Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let the peas simmer for an hour or until they are tender.

Variations of black-eyed peas recipe

Here are some different variations that you can try to make black-eyed peas even more flavorful:

1. Veggie black-eyed peas

For a meatless version of black-eyed peas, simply replace the bacon with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add some chopped carrots and celery.

2. Spicy black-eyed peas

If you like your food with a bit of a kick, add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the pot.

3. Smoky black-eyed peas

To give your black-eyed peas a smoky flavor, add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke.

4. Sweet black-eyed peas

For a sweeter flavor, add some brown sugar, honey, or molasses to the pot.

5. Ham black-eyed peas

Substitute the bacon with a ham hock and add some chopped ham to the pot for a hearty, smoky flavor.

Serving suggestions for black-eyed peas

Black-eyed peas are versatile and can be served in many different ways. Here are some ideas for serving them:

1. As a side dish

Black-eyed peas make a delicious side dish to any Southern meal. Simply serve them alongside some cornbread, collard greens, and fried chicken.

2. Black-eyed pea salad

Try making a salad with fresh black-eyed peas, roasted tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a vinaigrette dressing.

3. Black-eyed pea stew

Make a savory stew with black-eyed peas, sausage, and vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, and celery.

4. Black-eyed pea soup

Make a hearty and comforting soup by blending the cooked black-eyed peas with some broth, adding some cooked potatoes and carrots, and seasoning it with salt and pepper.

5. Black-eyed pea dip

Puree the cooked black-eyed peas with some garlic, lemon juice, and tahini to make a delicious dip to serve with pita chips or fresh vegetables.

Time to Enjoy Your Home-cooked Black Eyed Peas!

Congratulations! You have successfully prepared your very own black eyed peas recipe. That wasn’t so hard, was it? Now, it’s time to enjoy your hard work and dig in. Don’t forget to serve it with your favorite side dishes or pair it with rice. Thank you for reading this article and we hope that we’ve helped you create a savory and delicious dish. Don’t hesitate to visit our website again for more exciting recipes you can try at home. Happy cooking!