Hey there, fellow food lovers! If you’re looking for a simple and nutritious black eyed peas recipe, you’ve come to the right place! I absolutely adore this dish because it’s not only packed with flavor but also loaded with health benefits. Black eyed peas are a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making them a perfect addition to any meal. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—they can be served as a side dish or even as a main course with your favorite ingredients mixed in. Trust me, once you try this easy recipe, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Alright, let’s gather everything we need to whip up this delicious black eyed peas recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup black eyed peas (make sure to rinse them first!)
- 4 cups water (this will help cook the peas to perfection)
- 1 onion, chopped (adds great flavor)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper (for a little kick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 carrot, diced (sweetness and color)
- 1 celery stalk, diced (for that lovely crunch)
- 1 bay leaf (a must for depth of flavor)
Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go, and we’ll be cooking up a storm in no time!
How to Prepare the Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—cooking! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious black eyed peas dish in no time.
- First off, rinse the black eyed peas under cold water. This removes any dirt and debris—so important!
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You want it just hot enough to sauté the veggies without burning them.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant. You’ll love the smell!
- Next, toss in the diced carrot and celery. Sauté everything together for another 5 minutes until those veggies are tender.
- Now, it’s time to add the rinsed black eyed peas, water, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes. You’ll want to check occasionally to make sure it’s not sticking to the bottom.
- Once the peas are tender, remove the bay leaf—don’t forget this step! And that’s it! You’re ready to serve your warm, hearty black eyed peas.
Enjoy them as is, or feel free to mix in your favorite toppings for an extra pop of flavor!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the goodness packed into this black eyed peas recipe! Each serving is not only delicious but also nutritious. Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values you can expect:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 5g (with 1g saturated fat)
- Protein: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 35g (including 12g fiber)
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
These values are based on a typical serving size of 1 cup. Black eyed peas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them perfect for a wholesome meal. Enjoy the taste and the health benefits all in one dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this black eyed peas recipe! Here are just a few:
- Quick preparation—ready in under an hour!
- Nutrient-packed, offering a great source of protein and fiber.
- Versatile—you can serve it as a side dish or mix it into salads and grain bowls.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week.
Trust me, once you make this dish, you’ll be reaching for those black eyed peas again and again!
Tips for Success with Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Want to ensure your black eyed peas turn out perfectly every time? Here are my top tips! First, consider soaking the peas overnight. This not only softens them but also reduces cooking time significantly. If you’re short on time, a quick soak in hot water for an hour will do the trick!
Don’t be shy about adding flavor! You can toss in some smoked ham or crispy bacon for that classic Southern touch. Spice lovers might want to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
Finally, keep an eye on the pot while it simmers! Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and adjust the seasoning to match your taste. Happy cooking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! You can store your black eyed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just let them cool down to room temperature before sealing them up. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also pop them in the microwave for a quick fix—just cover the bowl to prevent splatters and heat in short intervals, stirring in between. Enjoy those tasty leftovers!
Variations on the Black Eyed Peas Recipe
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to jazz up this black eyed peas recipe! One of my favorites is to add in some chopped bell peppers or diced tomatoes for a burst of color and flavor. You could also toss in some spinach or kale for an extra nutrient boost—just let them wilt down towards the end of cooking.
For a bit of spice, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of cumin to give it a warm, smoky kick. And if you’re a fan of heat, a few slices of jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can take it to the next level! Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own!
FAQs about Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Got questions about this black eyed peas recipe? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common queries:
Can I use canned black eyed peas instead of dried?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned black eyed peas work just fine. Just rinse and drain them before adding them to your pot—reduce the cooking time by about 15 minutes since they’re already cooked.
What can I serve with black eyed peas?
These tasty peas pair wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or even as a topping for a salad. They’re super versatile!
How do I make this recipe spicier?
For some heat, add cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños during cooking. You could also serve with a hot sauce on the side for those who like it fiery!
Can I freeze black eyed peas?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just cool them completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Are black eyed peas good for you?
Definitely! They’re packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making them a healthy choice for any meal.
Black Eyed Peas Recipe: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Dish
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A simple and nutritious black eyed peas recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 cup black eyed peas
- 4 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 carrot, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Rinse the black eyed peas under cold water.
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Sauté until soft.
- Add the black eyed peas, water, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- Soak peas overnight for faster cooking.
- Can add ham or bacon for flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 12g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: black eyed peas recipe, vegan black eyed peas, southern black eyed peas
