Southern black eyed peas are a delicious, savory dish that is packed with flavor and makes for a great side dish or main course.
If you’ve never had the pleasure of tasting these tasty morsels, then you’ve been missing out! Preparing these tasty peas is surprisingly easy and requires minimal ingredients.
To show you just how to make this scrumptious dish, we’ve put together a simple recipe that you can follow to make your own Southern black eyed peas.
Read on to learn the simple steps for making this delectable dish!
Table of Contents
How To Make Southern Black Eyed Peas?
Southern black-eyed peas are a classic, flavorful dish that can be enjoyed as a side or as a main course. Packed with fiber and protein, it’s incredibly easy to make – all you need are a few ingredients and some basic techniques. Here’s how to make the perfect southern black-eyed peas:
Gather the ingredients: one pound of dried black-eyed peas, a ham hock, one onion, two cloves of garlic, one teaspoon of dried thyme, one teaspoon of dried oregano, one teaspoon of dried basil, one teaspoon of smoked paprika, one bay leaf, and four cups of chicken or vegetable broth.
Next, prepare the ingredients: Chop the onion and garlic. Then, combine the dried herbs and spices in a small bowl and set aside.
Now, it’s time to get cooking! Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Add the ham hock and cook until browned and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for another few minutes.
Add the herbs and spices to the pot and stir until everything is combined.
Then, add the black-eyed peas and stir to coat with the oil and herbs.
Pour in the broth and add the bay leaf.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Once the peas are tender, remove the ham hock and bay leaf.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Serve the southern black-eyed peas with some cooked rice, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Enjoy!
Do I Need To Soak Black-Eyed Peas Before Cooking?
Do you need to soak black-eyed peas before cooking them? The answer is yes! These small, round beans with a black dot or “eye” in the center are a type of legume and are popularly used in Southern U.
S.
cuisine.
Soaking them helps to break down the tough starches, reduce cooking time, and lessen any gas or bloating associated with consuming these types of beans.
To soak the beans, place them in a bowl and cover them with at least three times the amount of water.
Let them soak for 8 hours or overnight.
When you’re ready to cook, drain and rinse the beans with cold water to remove any impurities, then place them in a pot with enough fresh water to cover them.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer the beans until done.
Soaking the beans before cooking is an important step for any cook looking to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal.
Make sure to soak black-eyed peas before cooking them to get the best results!
What Are Black-Eyed Peas Called In The South?
Black-eyed peas, also known as cowpeas, field peas, hoppin John, or goober peas, are a species of bean in the Vigna genus that are grown in the Southern United States.
Historically, they have been a staple in Southern cuisine and are popularly eaten by cows and goats, who graze on them in the fields.
These beans are also used to make the traditional dish Hoppin John, which is said to bring good luck if eaten on New Years Day.
The term goober peas is thought to be a reference to the fact that the peas are similar in size and shape to peanuts, which are also referred to as goobers.
Black-eyed peas are truly a beloved part of Southern cuisine that can add flavor and joy to any meal.
How Do You Cook Black-Eyed Peas?
Cooking black-eyed peas is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this versatile legume.
Start by sorting and rinsing the peas to remove any dirt or stones.
Then, soak them in cold water for about 8 hours to make them softer and easier to cook.
Once ready to cook, drain the peas and put them in a pot.
Cover with fresh water and bring to a boil.
Then, reduce the heat and simmer until the peas are tender.
The cooking time will vary based on the size of the peas and how long they were soaked.
When the peas are tender, season with salt and any desired herbs, like garlic, thyme, or other herbs.
Simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
Then, drain any excess liquid and the beans are ready to serve.
Black-eyed peas are great on their own, as a side dish, or even as part of a stew.
They are also a great way to add protein and fiber to your meals.
Enjoy!
Why Do You Put A Penny In Black-Eyed Peas?
The age-old tradition of adding a penny to a pot of black-eyed peas has been passed down from generation to generation.
Dating back centuries, the penny symbolizes luck, prosperity, and humility.
It is believed that by placing a penny in the pot of black-eyed peas before cooking them, one will be blessed with good luck and abundance in the coming year.
This custom is often associated with the holiday of New Year’s Day.
Families gather around the table to eat a meal of black-eyed peas, which is often accompanied by ham or bacon.
The penny is placed in the pot of peas before they are cooked, and it is thought to bring good luck and success to the coming year.
The penny is not only a sign of luck and abundance, but also of humility.
It is a reminder to stay thankful for the blessings that have been bestowed upon us, no matter how small.
This tradition serves as a reminder of our past and a wish for a prosperous future.
How Do You Cook Black-Eyed Peas So They Don’T Fall Apart?
Cooking black-eyed peas without them falling apart requires a few simple steps.
First, you need to soak them overnight to soften the beans and prevent them from breaking apart.
After soaking, rinse and pick out any debris or stones.
In the pot, add enough water to cover the beans and add fat such as bacon, ham hock, or butter.
This will help the beans cook evenly and keep them from falling apart.
Spice up the dish with herbs and spices for extra flavor.
Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer the beans for at least an hour, or until tender.
Stir the beans occasionally and check the water level to ensure that the beans dont dry out.
Once the beans are cooked, remove them from the heat and drain off any excess water.
Serve them immediately or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
By following these steps, you can cook black-eyed peas without them breaking apart and enjoy a delicious meal.
Do You Soak Black-Eyed Peas In The Refrigerator Or On The Counter?
When it comes to soaking black-eyed peas, the most important thing is to use clean and fresh water.
You can either choose to soak them in the refrigerator or on the countertop it’s your personal preference.
If you opt for the refrigerator, make sure to give them enough time to soak, usually 8 hours or overnight.
This will make them tender and cook faster.
However, if you soak them for too long, the peas might become hard and dry.
On the other hand, soaking black-eyed peas on the countertop is quicker.
You can leave them for as little as 4 hours and still get good results.
This is ideal if you’re short on time.
But the peas may not be as tender as if they were soaked for a longer period.
At the end of the day, it’s all about personal preference.
If you have the time, soaking them overnight in the refrigerator will give you the best results.
Otherwise, countertop soaking is a great option if you’re in a hurry.
Just make sure to use clean, fresh water and give them enough time to soak.
Why Do You Let Black-Eyed Peas Soak?
Soaking black-eyed peas before cooking is a crucial step in the preparation process.
It helps to reduce cooking time, make them easier to digest, and remove some impurities, resulting in more flavor.
The process also loosens the hard outer skin of the pea, which can be difficult to digest.
As a result, the nutrients and flavor are released into the cooking water, making them more flavorful and easier to digest.
Moreover, soaking can reduce the amount of gas-producing compounds in legumes, which is especially beneficial for those with sensitive stomachs.
In addition, it softens the outer hull, making the peas cook faster and more evenly.
Finally, it reduces the amount of sodium in the finished dish, as some of the sodium is released into the soaking water.
All in all, soaking black-eyed peas is an important step in the preparation process that can help to make them more enjoyable to eat.
What Is The Quick Soak Method For Black-Eyed Peas?
The Quick Soak Method for black-eyed peas is a popular cooking technique that reduces cooking time for the traditionally long-cooking legume.
It’s an easy way to prepare this traditional Southern favorite without spending hours in the kitchen.
To use the Quick Soak Method, add the desired amount of dry black-eyed peas to a pot or bowl of cold water.
Make sure the peas are completely submerged, and add a generous amount of salt to help season the beans.
Bring the water to a boil and let the beans simmer for two minutes before removing from the heat.
Let the beans soak in the salted water for one hour, then drain and rinse.
Finally, cook the beans according to your recipe instructions.
The Quick Soak Method is a great time-saver.
It not only reduces the length of cook time, but it also softens the beans and ensures even cooking throughout the dish.
Additionally, soaking the beans in salted water helps to season them and results in a more flavorful finished dish.
The Quick Soak Method is an easy and efficient way to prepare black-eyed peas.
With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy this classic Southern dish in no time.
How Long Is Too Long To Soak Black-Eyed Peas?
Soaking black-eyed peas is an important step in getting them to the desired texture and reducing the cooking time.
But how long is too long to soak them?
The answer to this depends on the type of black-eyed peas and the texture you are aiming for.
Generally, for most beans, 8-12 hours of soaking is recommended, allowing them to absorb water and become fully cooked.
If you want a softer texture, you can extend the soaking time up to 24 hours.
However, be careful not to soak them for too long, as this can lead to them becoming too soft and mushy.
Proteins and starches will start to break down, releasing their nutrients into the water, resulting in a pasty texture.
They may even start to ferment and become sour.
To avoid this, it is best to limit the soaking time to no longer than 24 hours.
If you want a softer texture, you can reduce the cooking time to compensate.
Always check the beans to ensure they have cooked properly and have not been over-soaked.
How Long To Cook Black-Eyed Peas That Have Been Soaked?
Cooking black-eyed peas that have been soaked is relatively straightforward and usually takes around 45 minutes.
The cooking time may vary depending on the type of black-eyed peas, the amount of water used, the cooking method, and the desired consistency.
If the peas have been soaked overnight, they may require less time to cook.
When cooking black-eyed peas, it’s important to use a large enough pot so the peas are fully submerged in water.
The amount of water should be about two to three times the amount of black-eyed peas.
Boiling the peas is the most common way to cook them.
To do this, bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the soaked black-eyed peas.
Boil the peas for about 45 minutes, or until they are tender.
If the peas seem a bit too firm, add more water and continue boiling.
If you prefer a softer texture, you can also slow cook the black-eyed peas.
To do this, add the soaked peas to a slow cooker with enough water to cover them.
Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the peas for 4-6 hours.
No matter what cooking method you use, it’s important to check the peas periodically to make sure they are cooking properly.
Once they are tender, you can remove them from heat and add any seasonings or spices.
Final Thoughts
Preparing a delicious plate of Southern black eyed peas is now simple and easy! With just a few ingredients, you can make a flavorful side dish or main course that is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Now that you know the steps for making this savory dish, why not give it a try? It’s sure to become a favorite addition to your dinner table!