Oh, let me tell you about my favorite black eyed peas recipe made in the crock pot! This dish is like a warm hug in a bowl—so comforting and packed with flavor. I love how simple it is; just toss everything in, set it, and forget it. The black eyed peas cook to perfection, soaking up the rich vegetable broth and spices, while the aroma fills your kitchen. It’s perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be whipping this up regularly! Plus, it’s a great dish for gatherings since it’s vegetarian-friendly and pairs well with cornbread, making it a crowd-pleaser. You’ll really enjoy how effortless it is to create something so delicious!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups dried black eyed peas
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 bay leaf
How to Prepare Instructions
Step 1: Rinse the Black Eyed Peas
First things first, you’ll want to rinse your black eyed peas under cold running water. This step is super important because it helps to remove any dust or impurities that might have stuck around during packaging. Plus, it’s just a good habit to get into! After rinsing, give them a good look for any little pebbles or damaged peas—just in case. Ain’t nobody got time for crunchy surprises in their soup!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Now that your peas are all cleaned up, it’s time to bring everything together! In your trusty crock pot, combine the rinsed black eyed peas with the vegetable broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Oh, and don’t forget to sprinkle in the cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper! I always give everything a big stir at this point—this way, all those wonderful flavors get to mingle and party together before cooking. Trust me, you’ll want to mix it well!
Step 3: Cooking Time
Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. That’s right! Just set it and forget it for a while. If you’re home, you can sneak a peek and check for tenderness. The peas should be soft but not mushy. If you’re in a hurry, you can cook them on high for about 3 to 4 hours, but I really love the deep flavors that develop when they cook low and slow.
Step 4: Final Touches
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the bay leaf—nobody wants to bite into that! Give your dish a taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. Sometimes I like to add a little extra salt or pepper at this point. And voilà! Your delicious black eyed peas are ready to be served. Pair them with some cornbread or just enjoy them straight from the bowl. It’s comfort food done right!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy preparation: Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work for you! No complicated steps or lengthy prep time.
- Flavorful and healthy: With the rich vegetable broth and spices, every bite is bursting with flavor, and the black eyed peas are packed with nutrients!
- Perfect for meal prep: This recipe makes a generous batch, so it’s fantastic for meal prepping. You’ll have delicious leftovers ready to go for busy days!
- Vegetarian-friendly: It’s a wholesome dish that everyone can enjoy, making it a great option for gatherings or family dinners.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your black eyed peas recipe in the crock pot turns out perfectly every time! Here are my top tips to elevate this dish:
- Soaking optional: While soaking the black eyed peas overnight can help them cook a bit faster and can improve the texture, it’s totally optional! If you’re short on time, just rinse them well and toss them in the pot. They’ll still turn out delicious.
- Adjusting spices: Don’t be afraid to customize the seasoning to match your taste. If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños. For a smokier flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika!
- Serving suggestions: These peas are fantastic on their own, but I love serving them with cornbread or over a bed of rice. You can also toss in some cooked greens for a complete Southern meal that’s hearty and satisfying.
- Make it your own: Feel free to experiment with other veggies, like bell peppers or diced tomatoes. Just remember to adjust the liquid slightly if you add more ingredients!
- Leftover magic: If you have leftovers, they make a great filling for tacos or burritos! Just reheat and add your favorite toppings for a quick meal.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to whip up a fabulous batch of black eyed peas that’ll impress everyone at the table!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a hearty bowl of black eyed peas, knowing what’s in it can be super helpful! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values for this black eyed peas recipe made in the crock pot. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 13g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to any meal. Enjoy the wholesome goodness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from your delicious black eyed peas, storing them properly is key to keeping that flavor intact! Once your dish has cooled down a bit, transfer it to an airtight container. I like to portion mine out into smaller containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week. Just pop those containers in the fridge, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Now, if you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just make sure to leave a little room at the top of the container because the peas will expand as they freeze. They can be stored in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight.
For reheating, you can either warm them up on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or pop them in the microwave for a quick fix. If they seem a bit thick after reheating, just stir in a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen them up. Trust me, nothing beats that comforting taste of your black eyed peas, even as leftovers! Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use canned black eyed peas?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using canned black eyed peas is a great option. Just keep in mind that since they’re already cooked, you’ll want to add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This way, they’ll heat through without getting mushy. Just drain and rinse them before adding to your crock pot, and you’ll still enjoy that delicious flavor!
What can I serve with black eyed peas?
Oh, there are so many delicious pairings! I love serving black eyed peas with a side of cornbread—it’s a classic combo that’s hard to beat! You can also enjoy them over a bed of fluffy rice or with some sautéed greens on the side. Another fun idea is to make a simple coleslaw for a crunchy contrast. Just think of it as a Southern feast on your table!
How do I adjust the spices for my taste?
Great question! The beauty of this recipe is that it’s super customizable! If you like it spicy, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños. For more depth, a dash of smoked paprika or even a splash of hot sauce can really kick it up a notch! Just remember to taste your dish as you go; it’s all about finding that perfect balance that you love!
Imprimer
black eyed peas recipe crock pot: 5 Comforting Secrets
- Temps Total: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A simple and flavorful black eyed peas recipe made in a crock pot.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups dried black eyed peas
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Rinse black eyed peas under cold water.
- Combine all ingredients in the crock pot.
- Stir well to mix everything.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until peas are tender.
- Remove bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- Soaking peas overnight is optional.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 8 hours
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: Southern
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 400mg
- La graisse: 1g
- Graisses Saturées: 0g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 0g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 36g
- La fibre: 10g
- La protéine: 13g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: black eyed peas recipe crock pot
