Easy crock pot black eyed peas

Are you looking for a dish that’s as effortless as it is delicious and nutritious? Say hello to easy crock pot black eyed peas! This recipe is a true weeknight hero, letting you set it and forget it while your slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful and healthy meal. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or just someone who appreciates good food without the fuss, these tender, smoky black-eyed peas are going to become a staple in your kitchen. I remember the first time I made them – I was amazed at how much flavor developed with so little effort. It’s comfort food at its finest, made incredibly simple.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Growing up in the South, New Year’s Day wasn’t complete without a bowl of black-eyed peas. My grandmother would spend hours simmering a pot on the stove, infusing them with smoky ham hocks and a medley of spices. While her recipe was legendary, my busy adult life often meant I missed out on this comforting tradition. That’s why discovering this easy crock pot black eyed peas recipe was a game-changer. It brought back all those warm, nostalgic feelings of family and tradition, but with a modern, convenient twist. Now, I can enjoy that same rich, hearty flavor with minimal effort, and it feels like a little piece of home, no matter how hectic my schedule gets.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
• 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 pound smoked ham hock or 3 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped (optional, but highly recommended for flavor)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
• Hot sauce for serving (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe

1. Rinse the dried black-eyed peas thoroughly under cold water and pick out any small stones or debris. Soaking them overnight is optional but can reduce cooking time.
2. Add the rinsed black-eyed peas to your slow cooker.
3. Chop the onion and bell pepper, and mince the garlic. Add these vegetables to the slow cooker with the peas.
4. If using, add the smoked ham hock or chopped bacon to the pot. These ingredients will infuse a wonderful smoky flavor.
5. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring the peas are fully submerged.
6. Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme. Add the bay leaf.
7. Stir everything together gently to combine all the ingredients.
8. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the peas are tender. No need to pre-soak if cooking on low for the full duration.
9. Once cooked, remove the ham hock (if used) and shred any meat from the bone, discarding the bone and adding the meat back to the pot. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
10. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. You might want to add a little more salt if you’re not using ham hocks.
11. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or green onions, and a dash of hot sauce if desired.

easy crock pot black eyed peas

These easy crock pot black eyed peas are a delicious and comforting dish, perfect for a nourishing meal with minimal effort.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 minutes mins

Total Time 6 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Dish, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth if not vegetarian)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• to taste salt
• to taste black pepper
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (if sautéing aromatics)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• large slow cooker
• Cutting Board
• knife

Method

 

1. Prep the Veggies: Chop the onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Rinse and sort the dried black eyed peas, removing any debris or shriveled peas.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the rinsed black eyed peas, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using) to your slow cooker. Stir everything gently to combine.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the black eyed peas are tender. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker and the age of the dried peas.
4. Season and Serve: Once tender, stir in salt and black pepper to taste. If the mixture is too thin, you can mash a few of the peas against the side of the slow cooker to help thicken it. Alternatively, if it’s too thick, add a little more broth. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. Serve hot with cornbread, rice, or as a side dish.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper in a tablespoon of olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker. If you prefer a richer flavor and are not vegetarian, you can add a smoked ham hock, a piece of salt pork, or a few strips of cooked bacon to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Adjust cooking time accordingly if adding meat. Soaking the black-eyed peas overnight can reduce cooking time slightly, but it’s not strictly necessary for this slow cooker recipe.

Expert Tips for Best Results

For the absolute best easy crock pot black eyed peas, consider these expert tips. First, don’t skimp on the rinsing and sorting of the dried peas; this ensures no stray debris makes its way into your delicious meal. While pre-soaking is optional for slow cooking, a quick 30-minute hot water soak can slightly reduce overall cooking time and improve texture. If using a ham hock, try searing it lightly in a pan beforehand to deepen its smoky flavor before adding it to the crock pot. For a thicker consistency, mash a small portion of the cooked peas against the side of the pot – this releases starches and creates a richer broth. Always taste and adjust seasoning at the end; the saltiness of your broth and ham hock can vary, so add salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Easy Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Traditionally, they are served as a side dish alongside cornbread, collard greens, and a hearty main like roasted chicken or pork chops. The crispy, slightly sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up the savory broth. For a complete meal, consider serving them over a bed of fluffy white rice, transforming them into a satisfying main course. A splash of hot sauce on top adds a vibrant kick, while a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions brightens the flavors and adds a pop of color. Don’t forget a side of pickled jalapeños or chow-chow for a tangy counterpoint that cuts through the richness.

Conclusion

There you have it – a truly effortless and incredibly flavorful way to enjoy a classic comfort food. This easy crock pot black eyed peas recipe proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create a deeply satisfying and wholesome meal. With minimal prep and the magic of your slow cooker, you can achieve tender, smoky black-eyed peas that are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a festive gathering, or simply a cozy afternoon. Packed with nutrients and robust flavor, this dish is destined to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire. So go ahead, set it, forget it, and get ready to savor the simple pleasure of perfectly cooked black-eyed peas.

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