Easy southern black eyed peas

If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick, healthy, and flavorful, then you’re in the right place. As someone who’s always on the lookout for a great meal that doesn’t take all day to prepare, I was thrilled to discover easy southern black eyed peas. This recipe has become a staple in my household, and I think it will in yours too. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

I still remember the first time I had easy southern black eyed peas. It was at my grandmother’s house, and she had made a big pot of them for our family reunion. The smell of the spices and the taste of the tender peas just blew me away. From that day on, I was hooked. I started experimenting with the recipe, adding my own twist and making it my own. Now, I’m excited to share it with you, so you can experience the same joy and comfort that I do every time I make it.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make easy southern black eyed peas:

• 1 pound dried black eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe

Making easy southern black eyed peas is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Saute the onion, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil until they’re tender.
2. Add the soaked and drained black eyed peas, diced tomatoes, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot.
3. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the peas simmer for about 30 minutes, or until they’re tender.
5. Serve the easy southern black eyed peas hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Easy Southern Black Eyed Peas (Quick Soak Method)

A quick, healthy, and flavorful vegetarian version of classic Southern black eyed peas, utilizing a pre-soak to achieve tender peas in a short simmer time. Flavored with cumin and smoked paprika.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Soak Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern, Vegetarian

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black eyed peas soaked overnight and drained (crucial for cook time)
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 medium bell pepper chopped (any color)
• 1 can diced tomatoes undrained
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups water or broth enough to cover peas and simmer

Seasonings & Spices

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven

Method

 

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper, and sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
   2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 medium onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 medium bell pepper
2. Add the soaked and drained black eyed peas (UID 1), diced tomatoes (UID 5), water/broth (UID 7), cumin (UID 9), smoked paprika (UID 10), salt, and pepper (UID 11) to the pot.
   1 pound dried black eyed peas, 1 can diced tomatoes, 4 cups water or broth, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, Salt and pepper
3. Stir everything together, then bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the peas simmer for about **30 minutes**, or until they’re tender. Add more water/broth if the mixture becomes too dry.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Soaking the peas overnight is essential to achieving the 30-minute simmer time listed. For a traditional Southern flavor, use chicken broth or add a piece of smoked ham hock to the simmering liquid.

Expert Tips for Best Results

To get the best results from your easy southern black eyed peas, make sure to soak the peas overnight. This will help them cook more evenly and quickly. Also, don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to give the dish your own unique flavor. Some other options you might consider include adding a bit of cayenne pepper for some heat, or using smoked salt for added depth. Finally, be sure to let the peas simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the peas to become tender.

Serving Suggestions

Easy southern black eyed peas are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. One of my favorite ways to enjoy them is over a bed of rice, with a side of cornbread or crusty bread. You could also serve them as a side dish, alongside some grilled meats or roasted vegetables. If you’re looking for a more substantial meal, consider adding some diced ham or bacon to the peas for added protein. Whatever way you choose to serve them, I’m sure you’ll love the flavor and comfort of easy southern black eyed peas.

Conclusion

In conclusion, easy southern black eyed peas are a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, they’re easy to make and fun to eat. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for a quick weeknight meal, or a home cook seeking a new recipe to add to your repertoire, I highly recommend giving easy southern black eyed peas a try. So go ahead, give them a try, and taste the comfort and joy of this classic southern dish for yourself.

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