Black Eyed Peas
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Making Black Eyed Peas is like wrapping yourself in a warm, savory hug—comfort food at its finest! This dish, steeped in Southern tradition, combines tender black-eyed peas with crispy bacon and aromatic spices, creating an irresistible medley bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, and for many, it’s a staple on New Year’s Day for good luck. I’ve enjoyed this dish in various settings, from cozy family meals to festive celebrations, and it never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This recipe for Black Eyed Peas brings a deliciously unique flair to your table, making it a must-try for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s budget-friendly—dried black-eyed peas are inexpensive and can feed a crowd. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying after a long day. The warm, rich flavors and crunchy bacon make this dish not only comforting but also hearty enough to please even the pickiest eaters.
This recipe shines during the colder months or festive occasions, when you want something hearty yet uncomplicated. The easy preparation means you’ll be spending less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
"This dish is a game changer! Perfectly seasoned and the bacon adds a delightful crunch. I will make this every New Year’s Day!" — Happy Home Cook
Preparing Black Eyed Peas
Creating this delightful dish is a straightforward process that combines simple ingredients into a comforting masterpiece. Below are the steps that make this recipe both approachable and rewarding.
- Cook the bacon: Start by crisping up the bacon, which will not only provide flavor but also create a delicious base for the dish.
- Sauté vegetables: Softening onion and garlic will fill your kitchen with enticing aromas.
- Spice it up: The spices added to the mix elevate the dish, giving it a warm, rustic flavor.
- Simmer: This is where the magic happens; allowing the black-eyed peas to cook slowly in chicken stock brings out all the flavors beautifully.
Expect about 90 minutes from start to finish, and the result will be a dish so tasty, you’ll want to make it again and again.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients before you get started:
- 12 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2 inch dice
- 1 small sweet onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained
- 4 cups unsalted chicken stock
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Feel free to swap the bacon for turkey bacon or keep it entirely vegetarian by omitting meat and adding smoked paprika for that savory kick.
Directions to Follow
Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
Add the small diced onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen.
Add the seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir the spices into the mixture and let it cook for another 30 seconds.
Toss in the soaked and drained black-eyed peas, followed by the chicken stock and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it simmer for about 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally until the peas become tender.
Once the peas are done, add the butter and stir until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, and top with the crispy bacon and fresh parsley if desired.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Black Eyed Peas are versatile and can be served in numerous ways. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your dish:
- Serve as a main course: Top the peas with the crispy bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a hearty meal.
- Pair with cornbread: There’s nothing quite like a side of cornbread to soak up the savory broth.
- Add a salad: A simple green salad can balance the rich flavors nicely.
- Accompany with rice: Serve over a bed of rice for an even more filling option.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing this dish is simple! Allow the Black Eyed Peas to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing in portions. Just be sure to use freezer-safe containers or bags; they can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock to maintain creaminess.
Helpful Cooking Tips
To ensure your Black Eyed Peas come out perfectly every time, consider these tips:
- Season your water: When soaking the peas, add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor absorption.
- Check doneness: Every batch of peas may cook a little differently; test for tenderness periodically after the 60-minute mark.
- Customize spices: If you love heat, feel free to increase the cayenne or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Creative Twists
Looking to get adventurous with your recipe? Here are some variations to play with:
- Smoky flavor: Add a few drops of liquid smoke or throw in some smoked sausage for an extra depth of flavor.
- Herb variations: Try swapping out thyme for oregano or adding in some fresh dill for a different herbaceous note.
- Vegan option: Replace the bacon with smoked tempeh or mushrooms to maintain that savory flavor without meat.
Your Questions Answered
Q: How long should I soak the black-eyed peas?
A: Soaking for at least 8 hours or overnight is ideal; this softens the peas and reduces cooking time.
Q: Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead?
A: Yes, you can! If using canned, skip the soaking and use them in the recipe for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
Q: What if I don’t have chicken stock?
A: Vegetable broth is an excellent substitute, providing depth without the meat flavor.
With this recipe, you’ll bring tradition and comfort to your table, impressing family and friends with minimal effort. Enjoy the delicious simplicity of Black Eyed Peas and the heartening flavor it offers!
Black Eyed Peas
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a Dutch oven over medium heat and add the diced bacon. Cook until crispy, about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Add the small diced onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
- Incorporate the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, allowing the aroma to fill your kitchen.
- Add the seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir the spices into the mixture and let it cook for another 30 seconds.
- Toss in the soaked and drained black-eyed peas, followed by the chicken stock and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it simmer for about 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally until the peas become tender.
- Once the peas are done, add the butter and stir until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary, and top with the crispy bacon and fresh parsley if desired.
