The Black eyed peas aren't just a New Year's Day tradition for good luck. They're a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed any time of year. This recipe for quick and easy black eyed peas recipe is sure to become a regular addition to your meal rotation. As someone who grew up enjoying this dish on Sundays and holidays, I can attest to its comforting and nostalgic qualities. And for me, no serving of black eyed peas is complete without a slice of warm cornbread. So, let's dive into this delicious recipe that is both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.
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History of Black Eyed Peas Recipe in America
Black eyed peas recipe have a rich and complex history in America. They are believed to have originated in West Africa and were brought to the United States as part of the transatlantic slave trade. Enslaved Africans in the southern United States were often given black eyed peas as a source of sustenance, and they quickly became a staple of African American cuisine.
During the Civil War, black eyed peas recipe became even more important as a source of sustenance for both Union and Confederate troops. The peas were easy to grow and could be stored for long periods of time, making them an ideal food source for soldiers on the move.
After the Civil War, black eyed recipe peas continued to be an important part of African American cuisine. They were often served as a side dish with other southern favorites like collard greens, fried chicken, and cornbread.
In addition to their cultural significance, black eyed peas are also believed to have medicinal properties. They are rich in protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients, and are thought to have a range of health benefits.
Today, black eyed peas remain a popular ingredient in southern cuisine and are enjoyed by people of all backgrounds across the United States. Whether served as a side dish or incorporated into soups, stews, and other dishes, black eyed peas continue to be an important part of the American culinary landscape.
Ingredients Needed For Black Eyed Peas Recipe
- 1 lb dry black eyed peas
- 6 cups water
- 3 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 lb ham hocks
Directions For Make Black Eyed Peas Recipe
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Sort and rinse the black eyed peas, removing any foreign objects.
- In a dutch oven, add the black eyed peas, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, bay leaves, and ham hocks.
- Pour water over all ingredients in the dutch oven and stir.
- Place the dutch oven in the oven and bake for 1.5 hours, stirring periodically.
- Remove the dutch oven from the oven and take out 1 cup of the cooked black eyed peas. Mash the beans in a bowl and then add them back into the dutch oven. Stir to combine.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious and easy black eyed peas!
Tips
- Use high-quality ingredients: Use fresh herbs and high-quality ham hocks for the best flavor.
- Don't skip the mashing step: Removing a cup of the cooked peas, mashing them, and then adding them back to the pot helps to thicken the liquid and create a creamier texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Taste the black eyed peas after cooking and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking.
- Serve with your favorite sides: Black eyed peas are traditionally served with cornbread, collard greens, or rice. Experiment with different side dishes to find your perfect pairing.
- Store and reheat properly: Store leftover black eyed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, add a little water or broth to the peas and heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQ's About Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Q: What are black eyed peas?
A: Black eyed peas are a type of legume, commonly used in Southern cuisine. They have a distinctive black spot on their creamy-white skin and are known for their mild, earthy flavor.
Q: Are black eyed peas healthy?
A: Yes, black eyed peas are a healthy source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, including iron, magnesium, and folate. They are also low in fat and calories, making them a great addition to a balanced diet.
Q: Do I need to soak black eyed peas before cooking?
A: Soaking black eyed peas before cooking is optional, but it can help them cook more evenly and reduce cooking time. If you choose to soak them, cover the peas with water and let them sit overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
Q: Can I use canned black eyed peas instead of dry peas?
A: Yes, canned black eyed peas can be used instead of dry peas, but keep in mind that they may not have the same texture as freshly cooked dry peas. Also, canned peas are often already salted, so you may need to adjust the seasoning of your dish accordingly.
OTHER RECIPES TO TRY:
- EASY SOUTHERN BAKED CANDIED YAMS RECIPE
- HOW TO MAKE SWEET ROSEMARY CORNBREAD RECIPE
- HOW TO MAKE SOUTHERN MIXED GREENS RECIPE (COLLARD, TURNIP, MUSTARD)
How To Cook Black Eyed Peas
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Category: Sides
- Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients
1 lb bag dry black eyed peas
6 cups water
3 tsp salt
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
2 bay leaves
1 lb ham hocks
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Sort and remove any foreign objects.
- Add black eyed peas to a dutch oven.
- Add salt, onion powder, garlic powder, bay leaves, and ham hocks.
- Pour water over all ingredients into the dutch oven and stir.
- Place in oven and cook for 1.5 hrs, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from oven and add a cup of the beans to a bowl. Mash the beans and add back to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
It's not necessary to soak black eyed peas!
Keywords: black eyed peas recipe
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