Save Southern comfort food doesn't have to take hours to prepare. This quick version of black-eyed peas brings the savory, smoky essence of a traditional side dish to your table in just 25 minutes. Using frozen or canned peas makes this a perfect, flavorful solution for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious, Southern-style meal without the long soak.
Save By sautéing a base of onion and garlic in olive oil, you build a foundation of flavor that infuses the peas as they simmer. Whether you are following a vegetarian diet or just looking for a hearty legume dish, this recipe delivers on both texture and taste with very little effort.
Ingredients
- Legumes: 2 cups frozen black-eyed peas (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- Aromatics: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 small onion (finely chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Liquids: 1 ½ cups vegetable or chicken broth
- Seasonings: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste), 1 bay leaf
- Optional Additions: ½ cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh), ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat), 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened.
- Step 2
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring frequently.
- Step 3
- Stir in black-eyed peas, broth, smoked paprika, thyme, black pepper, salt, bay leaf, and diced tomatoes (if using).
- Step 4
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15–18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and flavors meld.
- Step 5
- Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 6
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For the best results, use a medium saucepan and a wooden spoon to prevent crushing the peas while stirring. Be sure to check your packaged broth for potential allergens like gluten or soy to ensure the dish meets your dietary needs.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To add more depth, consider sautéing a diced bell pepper along with the onion. For those who enjoy meat, adding diced cooked ham or bacon with the peas creates a heartier, smokier profile. To keep the dish strictly vegan, stick to vegetable broth and omit any meat additions.
Serviervorschläge
This versatile side dish is traditionally served over a bowl of steamed white rice. It also makes a wonderful companion to golden cornbread, which is perfect for soaking up the aromatic broth left in the bowl.
Save This quick version of black-eyed peas proves that you don't need all day to enjoy authentic Southern flavors. It’s a reliable, nutritious, and delicious addition to any meal rotation.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Do I need to soak frozen black-eyed peas before cooking?
No soaking required. Frozen black-eyed peas are already blanched and cook quickly. Simply add them directly to the simmering broth and they'll become tender in 15–18 minutes.
- → Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead?
Absolutely. Drain and rinse two 15-ounce cans, then add them during step 3. Reduce cooking time to 10–12 minutes since they're already fully cooked—you mainly want to heat them through and blend flavors.
- → What makes the flavor Southern-style?
The combination of smoked paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf creates that classic Southern profile. The gentle simmering method allows the peas to absorb these aromatics while developing a creamy texture.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store cooled black-eyed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to restore consistency. They also freeze well for up to 3 months.
- → What should I serve with these black-eyed peas?
They pair wonderfully with cornbread, steamed rice, or crusty bread. Serve alongside fried chicken, grilled pork chops, or as part of a vegetarian spread with collard greens and sweet potatoes.
- → How can I add more protein?
Stir in diced cooked ham, bacon, or smoked turkey during the simmering stage. For vegetarian protein, consider adding cubed sweet potatoes or serving over quinoa.