Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas

why make this recipe

Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas are a comforting and delicious dish that brings warmth to any meal. This recipe is simple to make and packed with flavor. It showcases the unique taste of black-eyed peas, which are often celebrated in Southern cooking. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side dish or a vegetarian main course, this recipe fits the bill. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for family gatherings or everyday dinners.

how to make Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Directions:

1. Rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water. Soak them overnight if you like for softer peas, but it’s not necessary.
2. In an Instant Pot, combine the soaked (or unsoaked) peas, water or broth, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and bay leaf.
3. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. If using unsoaked peas, cook for 20 minutes.
4. If you are using a stovetop, bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours until the peas are tender.
5. Stir in the heavy cream if you choose to use it, and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions.

how to serve Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas

Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas can be served as a side dish alongside meats or as a main course for a vegetarian option. They pair well with cornbread, rice, or salad. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a perfect comfort food for any meal.

how to store Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas

To store leftovers, let the black-eyed peas cool completely. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

tips to make Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas

• Soaking the peas overnight helps them cook faster and become tender.
• For extra flavor, consider adding diced smoked sausage or ham.
• Experiment with spices like cayenne for a little heat or thyme for herbal notes.
• If you prefer a vegan dish, simply omit the heavy cream and use vegetable broth.

variation (if any)

You can customize this recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or carrots. You could also try using coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version. Some people like to add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy touch.

FAQs

Q: Can I use canned black-eyed peas?
A: Yes, if using canned black-eyed peas, skip the soaking and cooking time. Just rinse and add them in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.

Q: Is it necessary to use heavy cream?
A: No, it’s optional. The dish is still flavorful without it, and you can skip it for a lighter version.

Q: How can I make this dish spicy?
A: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the mix for some heat.

Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas

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• Author: lamharmalmehdi25
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and delicious dish showcasing the unique taste of black-eyed peas, perfect for family gatherings or everyday dinners.

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Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 4 cups water or vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
• Chopped green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water. Soak them overnight if desired.
2. In an Instant Pot, combine the peas, water or broth, onion, garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and bay leaf.
3. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes (20 minutes for unsoaked peas).
4. If using a stovetop, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours until tender.
5. Stir in the heavy cream if using, and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions.

Notes

Soaking the peas overnight helps them cook faster and become tender. For a vegan option, omit the heavy cream.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop/Instant Pot
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: black-eyed peas, creamy, southern cooking, vegetarian comfort food, comforting dish