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bbq black eyed peas

Quick and Smoky BBQ Black Eyed Peas

A quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful weeknight meal that transforms traditional black-eyed peas with a smoky, tangy barbecue infusion. Ready in under 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, BBQ, Southern
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

The Core Ingredients
  • 1 can black-eyed peas 15 ounces, rinsed and drained.
  • 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
Aromatics and Spices
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper Any color.
  • 2 cloves garlic minced.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional, for a kick.
  • Salt and black pepper to taste.
Garnish
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley Chopped, optional.

Equipment

  • Medium Saucepan

Method
 

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add diced red onion and chopped bell pepper. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
    1/4 cup diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil
  2. Add Spices: Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
    2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  3. Combine and Simmer: Pour in the rinsed and drained black-eyed peas and your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir everything to combine well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
    1 can black-eyed peas, 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  4. Cook: Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for **10-15 minutes**, allowing flavors to meld. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remove from heat, let sit for a few minutes, and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
    Salt and black pepper, Fresh cilantro or parsley

Notes

Using **canned black-eyed peas** drastically reduces the cooking time, making this a true weeknight wonder. Make sure to rinse and drain them well!