5 Delicious Black Eyed Peas Recipes You'll Love

Black-eyed peas, known for their slightly earthy flavor and creamy texture when cooked, are not only a staple in Southern American cuisine but are also celebrated in various cultures worldwide. Rich in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients, black-eyed peas make a fantastic addition to any diet. In this blog, we'll explore five delicious black-eyed peas recipes that you can easily whip up at home. Each recipe not only brings out the best in this humble legume but also introduces flavors from around the globe.

Recipe 1: Southern Black Eyed Peas with Ham Hock

Nothing says comfort like a bowl of black-eyed peas seasoned with ham hock. Here's how you can make this classic:

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
• 1 large ham hock
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 4 cups chicken broth or water
• Salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 bay leaf, thyme, or chopped collard greens

To prepare:

1. Rinse the soaked peas and set aside.
2. In a large pot, sauté onions, garlic, carrot, and celery until onions are translucent.
3. Add ham hock to the pot, followed by the peas.
4. Pour in the broth, season, and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer, cover, and cook for about 1.5-2 hours or until peas are tender.
5. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, discard the bone, and return the meat to the pot.

🍲 Note: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some peas against the side of the pot with a wooden spoon, or puree a portion in a blender.

Recipe 2: Black Eyed Peas Salad

Perfect for a light lunch or a vibrant side, this salad showcases the versatility of black-eyed peas.

• 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, drained
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon, juiced
• Salt, pepper, and cumin to taste

To prepare:

1. In a large bowl, combine peas with chopped vegetables.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and cumin. Pour over the salad.
3. Toss gently to mix and let it sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to develop flavors.

Recipe 3: Vegan Black Eyed Peas and Greens Soup

Delight in this hearty vegan soup, rich with spices and greens:

• 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
• 1 bunch kale or collard greens, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1⁄2 tsp cumin
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

To prepare:

1. Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots in olive oil until onions are soft.
2. Add spices, stir, then add the peas, and cover with broth.
3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 1 hour or until peas are tender.
4. Add greens and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
5. Season to taste and serve hot.

Recipe 4: Spicy Black Eyed Peas with Tomatoes

Infuse some heat into your meal with this spicy take on black-eyed peas:

• 1.5 cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked
• 2 cans of diced tomatoes or 4 fresh tomatoes, chopped
• 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp curry powder
• 1 tsp coriander
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• Vegetable oil
• Cilantro for garnish

To prepare:

1. In a pan, heat oil, sauté onions and garlic until aromatic.
2. Add spices, then tomatoes and peppers, cook for 5 minutes.
3. Stir in peas, add water if needed, and simmer for about 40-50 minutes until peas are cooked.
4. Garnish with cilantro and serve with rice or bread.

🔥 Note: Adjust the heat level by using fewer peppers or removing the seeds from the chili.

Recipe 5: Black Eyed Peas Rice Bowl

Create a simple, yet satisfying meal with this Black Eyed Peas Rice Bowl:

• 1 cup uncooked rice, cooked according to package
• 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas
• Avocado, sliced
• Lime wedges
• Radish, thinly sliced
• Cilantro
• Salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of chili flakes

To assemble:

1. Divide the cooked rice into bowls.
2. Top with black-eyed peas, avocado slices, and radish.
3. Garnish with cilantro, squeeze lime juice over, season to taste, and add chili flakes if desired.

These recipes highlight the incredible versatility of black-eyed peas. Whether you prefer them in a rich, slow-cooked soup or as a fresh and zesty salad, these legumes can fit into various culinary traditions and personal dietary preferences. Remember, black-eyed peas are not only delicious but also come with numerous health benefits, from aiding digestion to supporting heart health. So next time you're looking for a new ingredient to experiment with, give black-eyed peas a chance; they might just become a new favorite in your kitchen.

Are black-eyed peas healthy?

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Yes, black-eyed peas are highly nutritious. They are rich in fiber, protein, and contain essential nutrients like folate, iron, potassium, and magnesium, which contribute to digestive health, heart health, and overall vitality.

Can I use canned black-eyed peas for these recipes?

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Absolutely, canned black-eyed peas can be used as a time-saving alternative to dried peas. Just rinse them well to reduce sodium content. However, the texture and flavor might differ slightly from soaked and cooked dried peas.

How long do you need to soak black-eyed peas?

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Black-eyed peas need to be soaked for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight, to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. Quick soaking methods include boiling for 2 minutes and then letting them sit covered for an hour.

Can I freeze black-eyed peas?

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Yes, you can freeze cooked black-eyed peas. They should be cooled, placed in airtight containers or freezer bags, and can be stored for up to 6 months. Thaw and reheat thoroughly before consuming.

What goes well with black-eyed peas?

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Black-eyed peas pair well with various flavors. They can be combined with herbs like cilantro, spices like cumin or paprika, and ingredients like tomatoes, ham, or greens like spinach and kale. They also work wonderfully with citrus or vinegar dressings in salads.