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Easy Black Eyed Peas Recipe

Easy Black Eyed Peas Recipe

4.8 from 24 reviews

This Easy Black Eyed Peas Recipe offers a versatile way to prepare nutritious black eyed peas either as whole beans perfect for salads and Texas caviar or as a creamy side dish. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy tender, flavorful black eyed peas that are delicious, wholesome, and adaptable to vegan or vegetarian diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Beans and Liquid

  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas
  • 1 quart (4 cups) vegetable broth
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Seasonings

  • 1 small clove garlic, grated
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Optional Fat

  • 2 tablespoons butter (optional), or use vegan butter or coconut oil

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, add the dried black eyed peas, vegetable broth, water, and kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to let it simmer gently.
  2. For Whole Beans: Cook the beans for 40 to 50 minutes until they are just tender but still hold their shape. Drain the beans once cooked. These are perfect for salads or Texas caviar. Serve immediately, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze in 1 1/2 cup portions (equivalent to one 15-ounce can) for up to 8 months.
  3. For Creamy Side Dish: Continue cooking the beans for 55 to 60 minutes until they are very tender and beginning to break down. If the water level gets low before the beans are fully tender, add more water to keep them just barely submerged. After cooking, a good amount of cooking liquid will remain, which will be used to make the sauce.
  4. Add Seasonings and Finish: Stir in the grated garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, and the butter or butter substitute if using. Increase the heat and stir vigorously for a few minutes until a creamy sauce forms around the beans. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  • To maintain whole black eyed peas for salads, avoid overcooking to prevent them from breaking down.
  • Adding water during cooking prevents the beans from drying out and helps achieve a creamy consistency if desired.
  • You can substitute butter with vegan butter or coconut oil to make the dish vegan-friendly.
  • Freeze cooked black eyed peas in airtight containers to preserve freshness for up to 8 months.
  • The creamy version of this dish works excellently as a side for roasted vegetables, grains, or proteins.

Nutrition

Keywords: black eyed peas recipe, easy black eyed peas, southern side dish, creamy black eyed peas, black eyed peas for salads, vegan black eyed peas