Oh my goodness, let me tell you about black eyed peas! These little legumes are not just a staple in Southern cooking; they’re also packed with nutrition and flavor. I love making a hearty dish with them because they’re so versatile. Black eyed peas are rich in protein and fiber, making them a fantastic choice for anyone looking to boost their diet. Plus, they have this wonderful earthy taste that just warms the soul. I remember my grandmother always made a big pot every New Year’s Day for good luck, and trust me, they never disappoint! You’ll definitely want to keep this recipe in your back pocket!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup black eyed peas
- 4 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
How to Prepare Black Eyed Peas
- First things first, rinse the black eyed peas under cold water. This helps remove any dirt or debris, so you start with a clean slate!
- Next, you’ll want to soak the peas in water overnight. This is a crucial step because it not only softens them but also helps reduce cooking time. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this!
- Once they’ve soaked, drain and rinse the peas again to wash away any residual starch.
- Now, let’s get cooking! In a pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. You can already smell that delicious aroma starting to fill your kitchen!
- Add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they’re softened and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes should do the trick.
- After that, toss in the drained peas, along with 4 cups of water, the bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and cumin. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. You’ll want to check occasionally and give it a stir; it’s all about that perfect texture!
- Finally, don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving. And voilà! Your black eyed peas are ready to be enjoyed!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Nutritious and hearty, packed with protein and fiber to keep you feeling full.
- Easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Versatile for meal prep; these black eyed peas can be a base for salads, bowls, or served as a side!
- Vegan-friendly, so it fits perfectly into any plant-based diet.
- Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering.
Tips for Success
Let me share some of my favorite tips to make your black eyed peas dish turn out just right! First off, if you’re in a pinch and forgot to soak your peas overnight, don’t worry! You can do a quick soak by boiling them for about 2 minutes, then letting them sit in hot water for an hour. It’s a lifesaver!
When it comes to seasoning, feel free to adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste. I sometimes like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat or even some smoked paprika for that extra depth of flavor. And if you have any leftover veggies, toss them in! Carrots or bell peppers can add a nice touch.
Also, if you’re looking for a richer flavor, consider sautéing a bit of diced bacon or ham with the onions and garlic before adding the peas. Just remember, if you add meat, it won’t be vegan anymore, but wow, it’s delicious!
Lastly, don’t forget that cooking times can vary based on the freshness of your peas, so keep an eye on that simmering pot. If they’re not tender enough after 45 minutes, just give them a little more time. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re soft and creamy!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the goodness that comes with these black eyed peas! Each serving, which is about 1 cup, is loaded with nutrients to keep you feeling great. You’re looking at approximately 200 calories, which is pretty fantastic for a filling dish! It has about 4 grams of fat—mostly healthy fats from the olive oil—and 13 grams of protein, making it a great choice for a plant-based meal.
Plus, these little legumes are bursting with fiber, clocking in at around 10 grams per serving, which is perfect for digestion. You’ll also get about 35 grams of carbohydrates, helping to fuel your day. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients you use, but is there anything more satisfying than a hearty, healthy meal like this?
FAQ Section
Can I use canned black eyed peas?
Absolutely! Canned black eyed peas are a great time-saver. Just make sure to rinse them well to remove any excess sodium. You can follow the same steps in the recipe, but reduce the cooking time since they’re already cooked. Just heat them through and add your seasoning!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking for a kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic. You can also toss in some diced jalapeños for a fresh, spicy flavor. Just be sure to taste as you go—you can always add more heat, but it’s tough to dial it back!
What are the health benefits of black eyed peas?
Oh, let me count the ways! Black eyed peas are not just delicious; they’re also loaded with nutrients. They’re an excellent source of protein and fiber, which can help keep you full and satisfied. Plus, they’re rich in vitamins A and C, folate, and iron. Regularly eating black eyed peas can support heart health and digestion, making them a fantastic addition to your diet!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made this delicious pot of black eyed peas, you might be wondering how to store those tasty leftovers! Just let them cool down to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, which is perfect for meal prep or enjoying later in the week!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using a stovetop for the best texture. Just pop them in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of water or vegetable broth to help loosen them up. Stir occasionally until they’re heated through, which should take about 5-10 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave—just make sure to cover the bowl to avoid splatters and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
And voilà! You’re all set to enjoy those tasty black eyed peas again. They’re just as comforting the second time around!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving up your delicious black eyed peas, the options are endless! I love pairing them with fluffy white rice or cornbread for that classic Southern touch. The creamy texture of the peas complements the softness of the rice beautifully, and cornbread adds a lovely sweetness that balances it all out.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit more adventurous, try serving them over a bed of quinoa or farro. This adds a nice nutty flavor and extra bite, making it a hearty meal. And for those who enjoy a little crunch, a fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette works wonders!
Want to spice things up? Consider topping your black eyed peas with diced avocado or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. You could also sprinkle some chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions on top for a burst of flavor and color. And let’s not forget about adding a side of collard greens or sautéed greens; they pair well with the earthy notes of the peas.
These simple additions can elevate your dish and impress your family and friends. Trust me, you’ll be creating a beautiful and satisfying meal that everyone will rave about!
Imprimer
Black Eyed Peas: 7 Nourishing Recipes for Soul-Warming Meals
- Temps Total: 1 hour
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Vegan
Description
A nutritious and hearty dish made with black eyed peas.
Ingrédients
- 1 cup black eyed peas
- 4 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Rinse the black eyed peas under cold water.
- Soak the peas in water overnight.
- Drain and rinse the peas again.
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened.
- Add peas, water, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and cumin.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45 minutes.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with rice or cornbread.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 45 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 400mg
- La graisse: 4g
- Graisses Saturées: 1g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 10g
- La protéine: 13g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: black eyed peas, legumes, healthy recipe
