20 Southern Food Black Eyed Peas Recipe Ignite Your Passion For Cooking!
Published on: Apr 12, 2024
Southern food is known for its rich flavors and comforting dishes that are perfect for any occasion. One classic dish that is often found on Southern tables is black eyed peas. These small, creamy legumes have been a staple in Southern cooking for generations, and for good reason. Not only are they delicious, but they also hold a special significance in Southern culture and tradition. In this article, we will dive into the history and significance of black eyed peas in Southern cuisine, as well as provide a tasty and easy recipe for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Yellow Onions, Garlic Cloves, Water
Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cuisine, especially during New Year's celebrations. These little legumes are believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year, making them a must-have on any New Year's dinner table. But don't limit yourself to only enjoying black-eyed peas once a year. With these top 20 recipes, you can incorporate them into your meals all year round, starting with this delicious Good Luck Black-Eyed Peas recipe.
This dish combines the earthiness of black-eyed peas with the smoky and savory flavors of bacon and spices. It's a hearty and comforting dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. Plus, it's a lucky dish that will surely bring you good fortune.
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Smoky Spiced Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Thick Cut Bacon, Yellow Onion
If you're a fan of bacon, then this recipe is for you. The smokiness of the bacon pairs perfectly with the spices used in this dish, creating a burst of flavor with every bite. And the best part? It's made in a slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it until it's time to serve. It's a great option for a busy weeknight dinner or a potluck with friends and family.
For a more traditional black-eyed pea recipe, try this Southern version. It's a simple and classic dish that lets the flavors of the black-eyed peas shine through. And with seasonings like thyme, bay leaves, and cayenne pepper, it's anything but bland. Serve it with some collard greens and cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
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Black-Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Oil, Red Onion, Garlic Cloves, Black
Don't let the simplicity of the name fool you, this recipe is anything but plain. With the addition of onions, garlic, and bacon fat, these black-eyed peas are bursting with flavor. And they're also made in a slow cooker, making them an easy and convenient side dish for any meal. Add some hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Ring in the New Year in style with this flavorful and hearty black-eyed pea dish. The addition of ham hocks and smoked turkey adds a depth of flavor to the dish, while celery and carrots give it a bit of crunch. Serve it over some rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Another classic Southern recipe, this dish is made with smoked pork for added flavor. And if you want to make it a little healthier, you can substitute the pork with smoked turkey sausage. This dish is perfect for a potluck or a barbecue with friends and family.
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Spicy & Smoky Southern Black Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Chicken Stock, Turkey Wings, Black Eyed Peas, White
If you like your food with a bit of a kick, then this recipe is for you. The combination of spices like cumin, paprika, and chili powder, give these black-eyed peas a smoky and spicy flavor that will leave your taste buds wanting more. And with the addition of tomatoes and bell peppers, it's a colorful and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
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Seasoned Black-eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Water, Rendered Bacon Fat, Onion
If you're looking for a simple and flavorful side dish, then look no further. These black-eyed peas are seasoned with thyme, oregano, and garlic, making them a perfect accompaniment to any meal. And with a dash of hot sauce, they can easily be transformed into a spicy side dish.
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Pan-fried Black-eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Olive Oil, Garlic Cloves, Smoked
This recipe takes black-eyed peas to a whole new level. The peas are first cooked with bacon and onions, then pan-fried for a crispy and flavorful dish. It's a great option for a side dish or a tasty snack on its own. Serve it with some fried chicken for a true Southern meal.
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Slow Cooked Black Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Thick Cut Bacon, White Onion, Green Bell Pepper
This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you don't have time to cook. With just a few minutes of prep, you can let your slow cooker do all the work and come home to a delicious and healthy meal. The addition of spinach adds some greens to the dish, making it a well-rounded and nutritious option for any day of the week.
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Instant Pot Black-Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Chicken Broth, Sweet Onion, Bacon
For those who prefer to use their Instant Pot, this recipe is for you. Using the pressure cooker function, you can have these black-eyed peas cooked and ready to eat in no time. And with bacon, onions, and garlic, it's a flavorful and comforting dish that's perfect for a cold winter day.
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New Year’s Hoppin’ John – Southern Black Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Butter, Large Onion, Garlic, Black Eyed Peas
Hoppin' John is a traditional Southern dish made with black-eyed peas, rice, and ham hocks. It's often served on New Year's Day for good luck, but it's also a delicious and hearty meal that can be enjoyed all year round. This recipe adds a little bit of heat with the addition of jalapenos, making it a great option for those who like a bit of spice in their food.
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Black-Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Medium Onion, Medium Green Bell Pepper, Jalapeno
For a vegan and vegetarian option, try this recipe for Southern Black-Eyed Peas. It's made with vegetable broth and coconut milk, giving it a creamy and rich texture. And with spices like cumin and coriander, it's packed with flavor and can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.
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Southern Pork & Black-eyed Peas Ranch Salad
Main Ingredients: Pork Tenderloin, Ground Black Pepper, Garlic Powder
If you're looking for a lighter option, this recipe is for you. It combines the heartiness of black-eyed peas with a fresh and crunchy salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocado. And the ranch dressing adds a tangy and creamy element to the dish. It's a great option for a summer meal or a picnic in the park.
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Slow Cooker Southern Black Eyed Peas and Rice
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Bacon, Kielbasa Sausage, Green Bell
This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want a warm and comforting meal waiting for you when you get home. The black-eyed peas and rice are cooked together in the slow cooker, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish that's perfect for a casual dinner at home. And with the addition of smoked sausage, it's a complete and filling meal.
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How to Cook Canned Black Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Thick Cut Bacon, Black Eyed Peas, Water, Butter, Garlic
If you're short on time or don't have access to fresh black-eyed peas, canned peas are a great alternative. And with this recipe, you can learn how to easily cook them and turn them into a flavorful side dish. The use of onion powder and garlic powder adds a depth of flavor to the dish, making it taste like it was made from scratch.
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Southern Black-Eyed Peas (Vegan)
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Eyed Peas, Water, Onion, Garlic, Bell
For another vegan and vegetarian option, try this recipe for Southern Black-Eyed Peas. It's made with vegetable broth and coconut milk, giving it a creamy and rich texture. And with spices like cumin and coriander, it's packed with flavor and can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions.
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Curried Black-Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Fresh Mint, Fresh Dill, Fresh Parsley
If you're a fan of Indian cuisine, then you'll love this recipe for Curried Black-Eyed Peas. The addition of curry powder and garam masala gives these peas a spicy and aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with some basmati rice. It's a unique and delicious way to enjoy black-eyed peas.
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Southern Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Eyed Peas, Water, Chicken Bouillon Cubes
This recipe is another slow cooker option for those busy days when you don't have time to cook. The addition of smoked sausage gives these black-eyed peas a savory and meaty flavor, making it a perfect option for a Sunday dinner with the family. And with seasonings like garlic and thyme, it's a flavorful and satisfying dish.
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Hoppin��� John (Black-eyed peas)
Main Ingredients: Bacon Drippings, Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Garlic
This classic Southern dish is a must-try for anyone who hasn't had black-eyed peas before. It's a simple and traditional recipe that combines black-eyed peas, rice, and ham hocks for a flavorful and satisfying meal. Serve it with some cornbread for a true Southern experience.
The History and Significance of Black Eyed Peas in Southern Cuisine
The Origins of Black Eyed Peas
Black eyed peas, also known as cowpeas, are believed to have originated in West Africa and were brought to the United States by African slaves during the colonial era. They quickly became a popular crop in the Southern states due to their ability to thrive in hot and dry climates. Black eyed peas were also a staple in slave diets due to their high nutritional value and affordability.
The Tradition of Eating Black Eyed Peas on New Year's Day
In the South, it is a tradition to eat black eyed peas on New Year's Day for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. This tradition dates back to the Civil War when Union troops raided Southern homes, leaving behind only black eyed peas and pork, which were considered to be "animal food." The Southerners who were left with only these ingredients had to make do, and thus the tradition of eating black eyed peas and pork on New Year's Day was born.
The Versatility of Black Eyed Peas in Southern Cooking
Black eyed peas are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be cooked and served as a side dish, added to soups and stews, or even used as a main ingredient in dishes like Hoppin' John or black eyed pea salad. Their creamy texture and mild flavor make them a perfect canvas for other flavors and spices, making them a popular ingredient in Southern cuisine.
Recipe for Southern Black Eyed Peas
Now that you know a bit about the history and significance of black eyed peas in Southern cuisine, it's time to try them out for yourself with this delicious and easy recipe.
Ingredients:
2 cups dried black eyed peas
6-8 cups of water
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 ham hock or 1 cup diced bacon
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 bay leaf
Instructions:
In a large pot, soak the black eyed peas in water overnight.
Drain and rinse the beans, then add them to a pot with 6-8 cups of water.
Add in the diced onion, minced garlic, ham hock or diced bacon, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf.
Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the peas simmer for 1-2 hours, or until they are tender.
Remove the bay leaf and serve the black eyed peas hot, as a side dish or as a main course.
In conclusion, black eyed peas are more than just a delicious and versatile ingredient in Southern cuisine. They hold a deep significance in Southern culture and tradition, making them a staple on tables for generations. So why not give this easy and tasty recipe a try and experience the rich flavors and history of black eyed peas for yourself?
