Cook frozen black eyed peas

Are you ready to transform your weeknight meals with incredible ease and flavor? Look no further than cook frozen black eyed peas! Imagine a meal that’s not just quick to prepare, but also packed with nutrients and bursting with a taste that transports you straight to comfort. For years, I struggled with finding dishes that could keep up with my busy schedule without sacrificing health or deliciousness. That’s when cook frozen black eyed peas waltzed into my kitchen, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, perfect for those evenings when you need something nourishing and satisfying without the fuss.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of my grandmother’s kitchen on a cold winter’s day. She didn’t always have time to soak dried beans overnight, so her secret, which she lovingly passed down, was to cook frozen black eyed peas. The aroma of simmering spices and the hearty texture of the beans always filled her small home with warmth and love. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a gathering, a story told through each spoonful. This recipe captures that same comforting essence, making it accessible to everyone, even when time is short. It’s a taste of tradition, simplified for modern life, and every bite brings back those cherished memories.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious and fuss-free dish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen black-eyed peas, no need to thaw
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe

Follow these simple steps to bring this comforting meal to life:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the frozen black-eyed peas directly to the pot. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
5. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and vegetable broth.
6. Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using).
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the black-eyed peas are tender.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Quick Cook Frozen Black Eyed Peas Stew

A simple, quick, and highly nourishing stew using frozen black-eyed peas. It delivers a rich, smoky, and comforting flavor, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a healthy meal without the fuss.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Dish, Stew

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, Southern

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Base and Aromatics

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 red bell pepper chopped

Peas and Liquid

• 1 package frozen black-eyed peas 10-ounce, no need to thaw
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5-ounce, undrained
• 3 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a non-vegetarian option)

Seasoning and Garnish

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a kick
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven

Method

 

1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes until fragrant.
   1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 medium onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 red bell pepper
2. Add Peas and Liquid: Add the frozen black-eyed peas directly to the pot. Stir well to combine with the vegetables. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained) and vegetable broth.
   1 package frozen black-eyed peas, 1 can diced tomatoes, 3 cups vegetable broth
3. Simmer: Stir in the smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for **20-25 minutes**, or until the black-eyed peas are tender.
   1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4. Season and Serve: Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.
   Salt and freshly ground black pepper, Fresh parsley or cilantro

Notes

For a thicker stew, mash a small portion of the black-eyed peas against the side of the pot with a spoon before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the flavors.

Expert Tips for Best Results

To truly elevate your cook frozen black eyed peas, consider a few pro tips. For a deeper, richer flavor, allow the stew to simmer a bit longer than the suggested time, even up to 45 minutes, on low heat. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can also add a bay leaf during the simmering process and remove it before serving for an extra layer of aroma. Don’t be shy about seasoning; taste as you go! Black-eyed peas readily absorb salt, so ensure you adjust it to your preference. If you prefer a thicker stew, mash a small portion of the black-eyed peas against the side of the pot with a spoon before serving. This will naturally thicken the liquid without needing a roux. Finally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the very end can brighten all the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile cook frozen black eyed peas dish is delicious enough to stand on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a truly Southern-inspired meal, serve it over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, allowing the rice to soak up all the flavorful broth. A side of cornbread or crusty bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit. For a healthier option, consider serving it with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast. In cooler months, this stew is excellent alongside collard greens or mustard greens. Don’t forget a dash of your favorite hot sauce if you enjoy an extra kick!

Conclusion

In summary, mastering how to cook frozen black eyed peas is a culinary superpower for anyone seeking quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meals. This recipe proves that you don’t need to sacrifice quality or taste when you’re short on time. It’s a dish that brings comfort and nourishment to your table with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend lunch. From its simple preparation to its rich, smoky flavors, this black-eyed peas stew is a testament to the fact that wholesome eating can be both easy and deeply satisfying. So, next time you’re wondering what to cook, reach for that bag of cook frozen black eyed peas and prepare to be delighted!

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