Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas

Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas are a comforting dish that delights the senses. They pair perfectly with Southern meals but are versatile enough to complement any culinary adventure. The combination of tender black-eyed peas with a creamy base creates a warm, rich dish that evokes the heart of Southern cooking. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that brings comfort to your table.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 4 hours (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (Instant Pot) or 45 minutes (stovetop)
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (or overnight soaking plus cooking)
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 310
• Protein: 10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 47 grams
• Fat: 10 grams
• Fiber: 8 grams
• Sugar: 1 gram
• Sodium: 450 mg

Why Make This Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas

Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas are more than just food; they are a celebration of heritage and warmth. This dish offers a rich, creamy texture that balances beautifully with the slightly earthy flavor of black-eyed peas. It’s a comfort food that not only nourishes but also brings back memories of home-cooked meals and family gatherings. Whether you’re seeking a quick side dish or a fulfilling main course, this recipe is a surefire way to impress your family and friends.

How to Make Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas

Making Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas is straightforward, and the end result is utterly delicious. With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can create a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Follow these steps to bring this comfort food to your table.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• Green onions for garnish

Directions:

• Step 1: Preparation

  Rinse and soak the black-eyed peas for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain them well afterward to prepare for cooking.

• Step 2: Mixing

  In an Instant Pot, add the soaked black-eyed peas, water or broth, olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir the mixture gently to combine all the ingredients.

• Step 3: Cooking

  Seal the lid of the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. If you’re using the stovetop method, combine the peas and ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the peas are tender.

• Step 4: Finishing

  Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk. Mix well to incorporate the creaminess into the peas. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor.

How to Serve Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas

Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas make a delightful side dish for fried chicken, cornbread, or collard greens. You can also serve them as a main course topped with additional spices or proteins like smoked sausage or bacon. This dish shines at family reunions, potlucks, or casual dinners with friends.

How to Store Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas

To store Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the peas in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the mixture thickens too much.

Expert Tips for Perfect Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas

• Soaking: For maximum tenderness, soak the peas overnight. This not only shortens cooking time but also improves digestibility.
• Broth options: Using chicken broth instead of water adds a richer flavor to the dish. For a vegetarian option, stick with vegetable broth.
• Add-ins: Feel free to experiment! Add diced ham, bacon, or even carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Coconut milk: For a dairy-free version, coconut milk provides a lovely creaminess and a hint of tropical flavor.

Delicious Variations

• Spicy Southern Black-Eyed Peas: Add jalapeños or hot sauce for a kick.
• Smoky Peas: Incorporate diced smoked sausage or a few drops of liquid smoke to infuse flavor.
• Vegetable Mix: Toss in some chopped spinach or kale for extra greens and nutrients.
• Herbed Peas: Stir in herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use canned black-eyed peas?
  Yes, you can use canned black-eyed peas. Drain and rinse them, then adjust cooking time to about 5-7 minutes in the Instant Pot or 10-15 minutes on the stovetop until warmed through.

• What if I don’t have an Instant Pot?
  Don’t worry! The stovetop method works great. Just ensure to keep an eye on the water level and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

• How can I make this recipe vegan?
  Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and vegetable broth, along with omitting any meat products.

• Can I double this recipe?
  Absolutely! Just ensure your cooking equipment can handle the volume and adjust cooking time accordingly.

• What can I serve with Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas?
  They pair wonderfully with cornbread, fried chicken, collard greens, or even a side of rice for a comforting meal.

Conclusion

Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas are a delightful addition to your cooking repertoire. Their comforting nature and rich flavors make them a perfect choice for any occasion. Embrace this Southern classic and bring warmth to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy this delicious dish that is sure to please everyone at your table. Happy cooking!

Creamy Southern Black-Eyed Peas

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• Author: lydia
• Total Time: 250 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting dish of tender black-eyed peas in a creamy base, perfect for Southern meals and versatile enough to complement any culinary adventure.

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Ingredients

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• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 4 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
• Green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Rinse and soak the black-eyed peas for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain them well afterward.
2. In an Instant Pot, add the soaked black-eyed peas, water or broth, olive oil, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir gently to combine.
3. Seal the lid of the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. For stovetop, combine the ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until tender.
4. Once cooked, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk and mix well. Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions.

Notes

For maximum tenderness, soak the peas overnight. You can substitute chicken broth for a richer flavor or use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.

• Prep Time: 240 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Instant Pot / Stovetop
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 30mg