The Southern cowpea is a versatile and nutritious legume that has been a staple in the cuisine of the American South for centuries. Also known as black-eyed peas or field peas, cowpeas are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. While traditionally served on New Year's Day for good luck and prosperity, this legume can be enjoyed in a variety of delicious and healthy recipes throughout the year. In this article, we will share a classic Southern cowpea recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Peas, Water, Garlic
Kick off your journey with a classic Southern dish that is perfect for any occasion. Southern-style crowder peas are cooked with bacon and seasoned to perfection, creating a hearty and flavorful side dish. And what better way to enjoy it than with a juicy beer can chicken? The flavors complement each other perfectly, making it a must-try combination.
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Carolina Hoppin’ John
Main Ingredients: Cowpeas, Thick Cut Bacon, Diced Yellow Onion, Celery
Next up, we have another Southern favorite - Carolina Hoppin' John. This dish is a combination of black-eyed peas, rice, and bacon, creating a hearty and comforting meal. It's often served on New Year's Day for good luck, but we think it's delicious any time of the year. Pair it with a crispy beer can chicken for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
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The Best Southern Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Rice, Peas, Bacon Fat, Tomato, Green Onions, Shredded
Now, if you want to take your Hoppin' John to the next level, try out this recipe for the best Southern Hoppin' John. It adds a few extra ingredients like ham, sausage, and hot sauce for an extra kick of flavor. And of course, it goes perfectly with a cold beer and a juicy beer can chicken.
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Erissery
Main Ingredients: Butternut Squash, Cowpeas, Paprika, Cayenne, Ground
If you're looking to add some international flavors to your beer can chicken, try out this recipe for Erissery. It's a traditional dish from Kerala, India, made with pumpkin and red cowpeas. The spices and coconut milk add a unique and delicious flavor to the chicken, making it a standout dish.
Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cuisine, and for good reason. They are packed with flavor and make for a delicious and nutritious meal. This recipe for Southern black-eyed peas is simple yet satisfying, making it a great side dish for your beer can chicken.
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Pumpkin with Red Cowpeas / Mathanga Erissery
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin, Cowpeas, Coconut, Garlic Cloves, Cumin
Another variation of the traditional Erissery dish, this recipe adds pumpkin to the mix for a sweet and savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the beer can chicken. The combination of pumpkin and red cowpeas creates a unique and delicious dish that is sure to impress.
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Broccoli with Red Cowpeas
Main Ingredients: Broccoli, Cowpeas, Coconut, Garlic Clove, Jeera
If you're looking for a healthy and nutritious side dish to go with your beer can chicken, look no further than this recipe for broccoli with red cowpeas. The combination of the two creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is also good for you. It's a win-win!
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Heirloom Cowpeas
Main Ingredients: Cowpeas, Water, Salt, Butter, Red Bell Pepper, Vidalia
For a more upscale and elegant side dish, try out this recipe for heirloom cowpeas. The beans are cooked with shallots, garlic, and herbs, creating a fancy yet delicious dish. It's the perfect accompaniment to a juicy and flavorful beer can chicken.
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Cowpea Dish
Main Ingredients: Cowpeas, Onion, Tomato, Tomato Paste, Paprika, Olive
For a simple yet delicious side dish, try out this recipe for cowpeas. The beans are cooked with bacon, onion, and seasonings, creating a flavorful and comforting dish that goes perfectly with a beer can chicken. It's a great option for a weeknight meal that is sure to please.
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Texas Mosh
Main Ingredients: Cowpeas, Thick Cut Bacon, Avocado, Grape Tomatoes
For a taste of Texas, try out this recipe for Texas Mosh. It's a spicy and flavorful dish made with cowpeas, jalapenos, and other seasonings. It's a great side dish for your beer can chicken if you're in the mood for something with a little heat.
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Stewed Chicken Feet with Cowpea and Peanut
Main Ingredients: Chicken Feet, Pork Ribs, Peanuts, Cowpea, Seasoning
Looking for something a little more adventurous? Try out this recipe for stewed chicken feet with cowpea and peanut. It may not be for everyone, but if you're feeling adventurous, this dish is worth a try. The combination of flavors and textures is sure to be a unique experience.
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Cowpeas Salad
Main Ingredients: Cowpeas, Onions, Green Chillies, Cumin Powder
If you're looking for a lighter side dish to go with your beer can chicken, try out this recipe for cowpeas salad. The beans are mixed with fresh vegetables and a light dressing, creating a refreshing and delicious dish. It's the perfect complement to a hearty and flavorful chicken.
White acre peas are a delicate and delicious type of cowpea, often used in Southern cuisine. This recipe for Southern white acre peas is simple yet flavorful, making it a great side dish for your beer can chicken. It's a great way to switch up your usual side dishes.
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Southern White Acre Pea Succotash
Main Ingredients: Corn On The Cob, Cherry Tomatoes, Peas, Cooking Liquid
If you're a fan of succotash, you'll love this recipe for Southern white acre pea succotash. It adds a little something extra with the addition of white acre peas, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish. Serve it alongside a juicy and flavorful beer can chicken for a complete meal.
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Southern Field Peas and Okra
Main Ingredients: Peas, Bacon Drippings, Salt, Pepper, Okra Pods
For a unique and delicious side dish, try out this recipe for Southern field peas and okra. The combination of the two creates a flavorful and slightly slimy dish that is a Southern favorite. It's the perfect side dish for a juicy and flavorful beer can chicken.
Pink lady peas are another type of cowpea that is popular in Southern cooking. This recipe for Southern pink lady peas is simple yet satisfying, making it a great addition to your beer can chicken meal. The flavors of the two dishes complement each other perfectly.
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Southern Fresh White Acre Peas
Main Ingredients: Peas, Water, Smoked Ham Hock, Salt Pork, Minced Onion
If you can get your hands on some fresh white acre peas, we highly recommend trying out this recipe. The peas are cooked with bacon and seasonings, creating a flavorful and hearty side dish that is perfect for pairing with a beer can chicken. It's a great way to take advantage of seasonal produce.
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Gluten-Free Vegan Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Jalapenos, Carrots, Cabbage, Celery, Red Bell Pepper
For our gluten-free and vegan friends, here's a recipe for you! These delicious and easy black-eyed peas are made in the Instant Pot, making them a quick and convenient side dish for your beer can chicken. And the best part? They are flavorful and satisfying for everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.
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Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Peas, Slab Bacon, Onion, Hot Sauce, Water, Long Grain
Last but not least, we have another variation of the classic Hoppin' John dish. This recipe adds sausage and a few other ingredients for a flavorful and hearty meal that is perfect for pairing with a beer can chicken. It's a great way to mix up your usual chicken recipes.
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Mom's Southern Cornbread Dressing
Main Ingredients: Turkey Stock, Turkey Thighs, Large Yellow Onions
To round out our list, we have a recipe for a classic Southern dish - cornbread dressing. This recipe is passed down from generations, and it's a staple at any Southern table. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a truly authentic Southern meal.
The Perfect Southern Cowpea Salad
Ingredients:
2 cups cooked Southern cowpeas
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/4 cup diced cucumber
1/4 cup chopped bell pepper
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove minced garlic
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked Southern cowpeas, diced tomatoes, red onion, parsley, feta cheese, black olives, cucumber, and bell pepper.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the cowpea mixture and toss to combine.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to marinate.
Serve chilled and enjoy!
This Southern cowpea salad is not only delicious and easy to make, but it is also packed with nutritious ingredients. The cowpeas provide a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, while the fresh vegetables add a variety of vitamins and minerals. The tangy dressing gives this dish a burst of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.
This recipe is also versatile and can be customized to your liking. You can add other vegetables such as corn, avocado, or radishes, or switch up the dressing by using balsamic vinegar or lemon juice. You can also make this salad ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quick and healthy lunch option.
Next time you're looking for a nutritious and tasty meal, give this Southern cowpea salad a try. It's a true Southern staple that will satisfy your taste buds and nourish your body.
Now that you have the recipe, it's time to head to the kitchen and get cooking! Share this recipe with your friends and family and spread the love for this classic Southern dish.