Black Eyed Peas Recipe (2024)

Southern style black eyed peas can be served year round but are said to bring luck for the New Year. Creamy, flavorful and best served with collard greens and cornbread!

Black Eyed Peas Recipe (1)

This recipe for black eyed peas is ultra comforting and flavorful! Smoky and somewhat spicy, this creamy dish is sure to be a hit with your family. It’s also 100% vegan.

You can add collard greens (or kale) directly to the pot, or serve them on the side with cornbread, of course! I’ve included an option for making them in the Instant Pot (with no soaking required). The stovetop version takes a little bit of time, but it’s almost all hands off.

Black eyed peas recipe – how to make them

First, rinse your peas and discard any that are discolored or broken. Place them in a large pot along with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, and cook for 2 minutes, then cover the pot, remove it from heat and let the peas soak for 1 hour without lifting the lid.

Black Eyed Peas Recipe (2)

Once the hour has passed, drain the beans, wipe out the pot and bring it back to the stovetop. Sauté the onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic in a few tablespoons of olive oil in the pot for about 4-5 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

Black Eyed Peas Recipe (3)

Now add the smoked paprika, thyme, red pepper flakes, black pepper, the softened peas and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Add the greens as well, if you want. Bring to a boil, then lower heat to simmer and cook for 1-1 1/2 hours, until a bit creamy. The peas should be soft as well. Serve and enjoy!

Black Eyed Peas Recipe (4)

Instant Pot black eyed peas

To make them in an Instant Pot, first press the sauté button. Heat the oil in the inner pot, then add the onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, then turn it off for a moment. Add the smoked paprika, thyme, red pepper flakes, pepper, broth and dried (not soaked) black eyed peas.

Stir, then seal and cook at high manual pressure for 30 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally, then carefully remove the lid and serve.

Black Eyed Peas Recipe (5)

Want more recipes featuring beans?

  • The Best Vegan Baked Beans
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  • Mexican Rice and Beans
  • Ultimate Vegan Chili

Black Eyed Peas Recipe (6)

Black Eyed Peas Recipe

Southern style black eyed peas can be served year round but are said to bring luck for the New Year. Creamy, flavorful and best served with collard greens and cornbread!

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Soaking time: 1 hour hr

Total: 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

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Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium sweet onion, diced small
  • 2 ribs celery, diced small
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced small
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • few shakes of black pepper
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • salt, to taste
  • chopped parsley, optional for topping
  • 3-4 cups chopped collard greens or kale, optional

Instructions

  • Rinse the peas and discard any that are discolored or broken. Add the peas to a large pot, along with 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then cover the pot, remove it from the heat and let soak for 1 hour without lifting the lid.

  • Once hour has passed and the peas have softened, drain them and set aside.

  • In the same pot you soaked the beans in, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery, red bell pepper and garlic and cook for 4-5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the vegetables softened.

  • Now add the smoked paprika, thyme, red pepper flakes, black pepper, the softened peas and 4 cups of vegetable broth. Stir well and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 1-1 1/2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. If desired, add chopped greens in as well and let them cook with the peas. When the mixture is soft and a bit creamy, it is done.

  • Add salt to taste, and a few splashed of hot sauce if desired.

  • Divide into bowls and serve with a side of collard greens (unless you added them right into the pot!) and cornbread. Sprinkle with parsley. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. Instant Pot - No need to soak if you go this route. Press the sauté button, then sauté the onion, celery, pepper and garlic in olive oil for 5 minutes. Then add the spices, pepper, broth, dried beans and greens, if using. Stir. Seal and cook at high pressure for 30 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally before carefully removing the lid.
  2. Want more heat? Add 1-2 chopped jalapeños and sauté along with the other vegetables, seeds removed or some left for spicy beans! Or add extra chili flakes or hot sauce.
  3. This dish freezes well and leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 10 servings | Calories: 201kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 394mg | Potassium: 610mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 976IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 4mg

Course: Main, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Author: Nora Taylor

Did you make this recipe?Mention @nora_cooks_vegan_ or tag #noracooks!

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Posted In: Budget Vegan Recipes, Dinner, Gluten Free, Holiday, Instant Pot, Main Dish, Meal Type, Method, Nut Free, Side Dishes, Special Dietary Needs

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Black Eyed Peas Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What do you eat with black-eyed peas? ›

In Southern cuisine, they are often paired with ham hocks or smoked turkey for added flavor. Jambalaya, a Cajun dish, and Hoppin' John, a traditional Southern dish combining black-eyed peas, rice, and pork, are popular choices. These pairings create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Should you drain and rinse canned black-eyed peas? ›

Canned black-eyed peas are best in recipes that don't require slow cooking or a long cook time, which can make them mushy. If you're using canned black-eyed peas, simply rinse them in a colander to remove any liquid from the can as well as excess salt. Then you're good to go!

What does baking soda do to black-eyed peas? ›

Bottom Line. If beans make you uncomfortably gassy, sprinkle a little baking soda into their soaking water. It will reduce the volume of gas produced by the legumes, plus, they will cook quicker. If you're even shorter on time, you may want to try some of our favorite recipes to make with a can of black beans.

How do you doctor up a can of peas? ›

How to Dress Up Canned Green Peas
  1. Butter and Sugar Peas. This classic is our family favorite. ...
  2. Butter, Salt, and Pepper Peas. Another classic spin is butter, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Sriracha Peas. ...
  4. Sweet and Spicy Peas. ...
  5. Ranch Peas. ...
  6. Butter & Thyme Peas. ...
  7. Italian Peas. ...
  8. Enjoy your easy Easter side dishes.
Mar 24, 2018

Do you put a penny in black-eyed peas? ›

One unusual but common New Year's Day black-eyed peas tradition involves putting actual money in the dish. Some add to their “luck” by cooking their pot of peas with a penny or dime inside. Whoever gets the bowl with the coin in it, according to legend, has the best luck for the new year.

Why do Southerners eat black-eyed peas? ›

Often referred to as hoppin' john, black-eyed peas and collard greens are commonly eaten as part of a Southern tradition to bring forth good luck and prosperity in the new year.

Why do African American eat black-eyed peas? ›

Find the recipe for black eyed pea fritters and more in Mariah-Rose's new international cookbook and guide, COOK LIKE YOUR ANCESTORS. It's a tradition for Southern people — especially those of African descent — to eat black-eyed peas around the New Year to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead.

What meat goes best with black-eyed peas? ›

The flavor of grilled chicken tastes beautiful with black eyed peas. Also, since grilled chicken is tender, it complements the beans pretty well. Mix beans and chicken together for a hearty dish. And don't forget to sprinkle some lemon juice on top.

How do you make black-eyed peas from a can taste better? ›

I cook about 2 slices of bacon til crispy, add drained black eyed peas (canned), along with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. I usually like Lowry's seasoned pepper but plain black pepper is good. Plus about half a cup of water or even broth. The beans can get very dry, so I always add some liquid.

How do you eat black-eyed peas from a can? ›

To cook canned black-eyed peas, start by rinsing them thoroughly under cold water. Then, you can choose to heat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. For stovetop cooking, place the peas in a saucepan, cover with water or broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

What happens if you don't rinse canned beans? ›

"If you rinse your beans thoroughly, you will have a consistently flavored product, but if you do not rinse them, different amounts of salt will remain in the dish each time you cook it, and it will be hard to cook consistently," he says.

How do you get rid of gas from black-eyed peas? ›

Simply place dried beans in a container, cover them with water and let them soak. They'll need to soak eight to 12 hours, but the key to eliminating the gas is draining and rinsing every three hours. Yup, you read that right. Drain, rinse and start soaking again every three hours.

How much baking soda do I add to my beans to prevent gas? ›

Usually, you only use 1/4 teaspoon baking soda to a pound of beans. The best way to reduce the problem is simply to eat more beans. People who eat beans regularly have the least trouble digesting them.

Why are black-eyed peas still hard after cooking? ›

Most whole dry bean and peas will begin to sprout if you soak them long enough. If they're still hard after you cook them for an hour, be sure they have enough water to cover them, and simmer until they soften. Taste the water. If it's bitter, rinse the beans, and put in new water.

How do you cook dried black-eyed peas? ›

Add them to a pot over the stove and cover with at least two inches of water or stock. Add any salt or aromatics. Simmer until the beans are tender, about an hour. You can test them for doneness by either tasting them or mashing them against the side of the pot.

Do black-eyed peas need to climb? ›

If you have a small garden, opt for bush-type plants that will stay smaller and can even be grown in containers. Vining black-eyed peas will require a trellis or poles to support them, but they usually produce a large harvest of beans.

What is the tradition of eating black-eyed peas? ›

According to author and food scholar Adrian Miller, eating black eyed peas on New Years Eve or New Years Day promises good luck, health, and abundance. The bean has taken the form of good fortune and has even adopted a few different aliases along the way.

What do you eat with black-eyed peas for New Years? ›

What to serve with black-eyed peas: Serve these beans up with our collard greens, glazed ham steak, hot sauce and cornbread for the most festive (and lucky) New Year's meal.

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