Name: Southern Black Eyed Peas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup dried black-eyed peas; 4 cups water; 1 onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bell pepper, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 bay leaf; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh); Optional: hot sauce for serving

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Why Make This Recipe

Southern Black Eyed Peas are a delicious and hearty dish, perfect for any meal. They are packed with flavor and are especially popular in Southern cuisine. Not only do they taste great, but they are also healthy. Black-eyed peas are a good source of protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. This recipe makes it easy to enjoy this classic dish in the comfort of your home.

How to Make Southern Black Eyed Peas

Ingredients:

1 cup dried black-eyed peas
4 cups water
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
Optional: hot sauce for serving

Directions:

Rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water. Remove any debris or damaged peas.
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are soft.
Add the rinsed black-eyed peas to the pot along with the water, thyme, smoked paprika, and the bay leaf.
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the peas are tender.
In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add the diced tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
Remove the bay leaf before serving.

How to Serve Southern Black Eyed Peas

You can serve Southern Black Eyed Peas as a main dish or as a side. They go well with cornbread, rice, or greens. It’s also nice to drizzle some hot sauce on top for extra flavor. Enjoy them warm for the best taste!

How to Store Southern Black Eyed Peas

If you have leftovers, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage, up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Southern Black Eyed Peas

Soaking the black-eyed peas overnight can reduce cooking time and help them cook evenly.
Feel free to add your favorite spices or meats, like ham hocks or bacon, for extra flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook, since different tomatoes and canned goods have varying salt levels.

Variation

You can make a vegetarian version by leaving out any meats. Another variation is to add other vegetables, like carrots or celery, for more texture and flavor.

FAQs

1. Do I need to soak black-eyed peas before cooking?
Soaking isn’t necessary, but it can help them cook faster and more evenly.

2. Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead?
Yes, you can use canned black-eyed peas. Just rinse and drain, then add them to the cooked vegetables for a quicker dish.

3. How do I spice it up?
Add more hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or chili powder to adjust the heat to your liking. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also add flavor.