Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas are a delightful and hearty dish that welcome you home with the comforting aroma of cooked legumes and spices. This recipe not only provides a warm meal but also makes use of nutritious ingredients that are good for you. Perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or meal prep, these black eyed peas can be served as a main course or a side dish. Let’s dive into the details of this easy, slow-cooked favorite.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 180
- Protein: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fat: 2 grams
- Fiber: 8 grams
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Sodium: 200 mg
Why Make This Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
Making Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas is not only simple but also rewarding. These delicious peas are packed with protein and fiber, making them a healthy choice for anyone looking to add nutritious meals to their table. They are versatile enough to support various dietary preferences and can be tailored to suit your palate with added spices or ingredients. Cooking them in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that is both satisfying and comforting.
How to Make Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
It’s incredibly easy to whip up a batch of black eyed peas in your slow cooker. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that will delight your taste buds!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried black eyed peas
- 6 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced ham or bacon for flavor
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
Start your day by rinsing the black eyed peas under cold water to remove any debris. This simple step ensures a clean base for your dish.
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Step 2: Mixing
Transfer the rinsed black eyed peas to your slow cooker. Then, add in the 6 cups of water or vegetable broth, along with the chopped onion, minced garlic, and olive oil. If you want to enhance the flavor, toss in some diced ham or bacon at this stage. Season everything with salt and pepper according to your taste.
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Step 3: Cooking
Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Let the black eyed peas cook for 6 to 8 hours. This leisurely cooking time allows the peas to become tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.
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Step 4: Finishing
Once the cooking time is complete, give your dish a good stir and taste it. Adjust the seasoning if necessary. Your Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas are now ready to serve!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
Serve your Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas warm, either on their own or as a delightful side dish. They pair beautifully with cornbread, rice, or a fresh salad. For a heartier meal, you might add a sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to enhance the presentation.
How to Store Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
To store leftovers, allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the black eyed peas in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
- Rinsing: Never skip rinsing your legumes; it removes impurities and can prevent bitterness.
- Broth vs. Water: Using vegetable broth instead of water adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the ham or bacon for a delicious vegetarian version without sacrificing taste.
- Spice It Up: Experiment by adding a bay leaf or red pepper flakes for some heat.
Delicious Variations
Get creative with your Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas! Here are some fun variations you might enjoy:
- Spicy Black Eyed Peas: Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Southern Comfort: Incorporate collard greens or spinach towards the end of cooking for a nutritious boost.
- Curry Style: Mix in coconut milk and curry powder for a unique twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use canned black eyed peas instead? Yes, but you’ll want to skip the long cooking time and reduce the amount of liquid since they are already cooked. Add them in the last hour of cooking to heat through.
- Do I need to soak the peas? No soaking is required for this recipe. The slow cooking will soften them perfectly.
- Can I cook this recipe on high? Yes, you can set your slow cooker to high for 3-4 hours; however, the flavors won’t meld quite as deeply.
- What can I serve with black eyed peas? They pair wonderfully with cornbread, fried chicken, or collard greens.
- How do I know when the peas are done? The peas will be tender and creamy. If they still have a bite, continue cooking and check every 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas are not just a comforting dish; they’re a gateway to wholesome goodness and warmth in every bite. The ease of preparation and the rich, comforting flavors make this a perfect addition to your recipe collection. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday tradition or a cozy weeknight dinner, your friends and family are sure to appreciate the love and care that goes into this delightful dish. Grab your slow cooker and give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
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Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
- Total Time: 390-490 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and hearty dish made of black-eyed peas, slow-cooked to perfection with spices and vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried black eyed peas
- 6 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: diced ham or bacon for flavor
Instructions
- Rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water to remove any debris.
- Transfer the rinsed peas to the slow cooker and add water or broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, and olive oil. Add ham or bacon if desired, and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until peas are tender.
- Once done, stir, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve warm.
Notes
For added flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water. This dish can be served warm or cooled and stored for later use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 360-480 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
