There’s something so heartwarming about a big pot of black eyed peas simmering away in the crock pot. I can almost smell it now! This recipe is a total lifesaver for busy days, filling your home with that cozy, inviting aroma. The best part? It’s perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or just a quiet night in. I love how these little legumes can pack a punch of flavor while being incredibly nourishing. Trust me, once you’ve made this, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Whether it’s New Year’s Day or any day, this dish brings comfort with every bite!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups black eyed peas: Rinse them well under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. No soaking required, but you can soak them overnight if you want to cut down on cooking time!
- 6 cups water: This is what helps the peas cook down and become tender. Feel free to use vegetable broth for extra flavor!
- 1 onion, chopped: I love using a yellow onion for its sweetness, but any onion will do. Just make sure it’s finely chopped for even cooking.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds such a wonderful aroma! If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too, but fresh is always best.
- 1 tsp salt: This helps to bring out all the flavors, but you can adjust this to taste. If you’re using a ham hock, you might want to use less salt.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: A little kick to balance the dish. You can adjust this based on your heat preference!
- 1 tsp cumin: This spice gives a warm, earthy flavor that’s just divine with black eyed peas.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle depth of flavor. Just remember to take it out before serving!
- 1 smoked ham hock (optional): If you want a smoky flavor, toss this in! It’s optional but oh-so-delicious.
How to Prepare the Black Eyed Peas Recipe Crock Pot
Getting this black eyed peas recipe ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal waiting for you. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy it is to make this dish in your crock pot.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, rinse those black eyed peas under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps get rid of any grit. If you soaked them overnight, they’ll cook even faster!
- Next, toss all your ingredients into the crock pot: the rinsed peas, water (or broth), chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, cumin, bay leaf, and that optional ham hock if you’re using it.
- Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors.
- Now, cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. You’ll want to check on them a bit before the 6-hour mark to see how tender they are!
- Finally, once they’re nice and tender, remove the bay leaf and ham hock before serving. And there you go—a cozy, comforting dish ready to enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of this delightful black eyed peas recipe. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately 200 calories, with 1g of fat and 13g of protein, making it a hearty choice! You’ll also get 36g of carbs and 9g of fiber, which is fantastic for digestion. Plus, it’s naturally low in cholesterol! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do the work for you!
- Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and the smoky ham hock (if you use it) creates a deliciously hearty dish.
- Health Benefits: Black eyed peas are packed with protein and fiber, making this recipe a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Versatile: It fits perfectly into vegetarian diets or can be made with meat for added flavor.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a holiday gathering, this dish brings everyone together.
- Comfort Food: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of black eyed peas to soothe the soul!
Tips for Success
To really nail this black eyed peas recipe, I’ve got some pro tips for you! First off, consider soaking your peas overnight; it can cut down on cooking time and help them cook more evenly. Also, don’t be shy with the spices—adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. You might want to add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an extra kick! And if you’re serving this as a main dish, pairing it with warm cornbread or a fresh salad makes for a delightful meal. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up this black eyed peas recipe! Try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or toss in some diced tomatoes for a pop of color and freshness. You can also mix in diced bell peppers or carrots for extra veggies. Want a spicy kick? Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this delicious black eyed peas recipe are a treat, so you’ll want to store them properly! Allow the peas to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save them for longer, they freeze beautifully! Just make sure to store them in a freezer-safe container, and they can last up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to bring back that lovely texture. Yum!
FAQ Section
Can I cook black eyed peas without soaking them?
Absolutely! They cook perfectly fine without soaking, but soaking can help reduce the cooking time and make them even more tender. If you’re short on time, just rinse and go!
How do I know when the black eyed peas are done?
You’ll know they’re ready when they’re tender and creamy. Check them around the 6-hour mark to see how they’re doing. If they need more time, just let them go a bit longer!
What can I use instead of a ham hock?
If you want to keep it vegetarian or simply don’t have a ham hock, you can use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that delicious smoky flavor. You could also add some diced bacon for a meaty twist!
How can I serve black eyed peas?
These peas are fantastic on their own, but they shine when served with cornbread, over rice, or as a hearty side dish. You can also top them with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for a lovely finish!
Black Eyed Peas Recipe Crock Pot: 7 Heartwarming Secrets
- Gesamtzeit: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A simple and hearty black eyed peas recipe cooked in a crock pot.
Zutaten
- 2 cups black eyed peas
- 6 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 smoked ham hock (optional)
Anweisungen
- Rinse the black eyed peas under cold water.
- Add all ingredients to the crock pot.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until peas are tender.
- Remove the bay leaf and ham hock before serving.
Notes
- Soaking peas overnight can reduce cooking time.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 8 hours
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Slow Cooking
- Küche: Southern
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 200
- Zucker: 1g
- Natrium: 400mg
- Fett: 1g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 0g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 36g
- Faser: 9g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: black eyed peas recipe crock pot
