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Get ready for a Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe bursting with Cajun spices and a little kick! It’s comforting, full of flavor, and way too easy to make.
This Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe is bursting with bold Cajun flavors, smoky bacon, and just the right amount of spice. It's easy to make and totally packed with flavor. Trust me y'all, it’s a dish that hits the spot every time! Gluten-free + Meatless Option.
Okay, I'll be honest—I'm a huge fan of bean recipes, and this Southern Black-Eyed Peas recipe is a total classic that I grew up loving. It’s perfectly spicy, smoky, and hearty, just like my Good Ole’ Cajun Red Beans. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings back memories and never fails to satisfy!
Southern Black Eyed Peas are made with tender black-eyed peas, aromatic and bold spices. Sometimes, there's smoky bacon or ham in the mix for extra flavor. It's actually pretty common to enjoy them on New Year’s Day, as they’re believed to bring good luck for the year ahead!
Why You Will LOVE What Are Southern Black Eyed Peas!
Bold Cajun spices with just the right kick
Easy to make, but feels like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
Total comfort food in a bowl!
Simple ingredients, big flavor—what’s not to love?
To soak dried black-eyed peas, follow these 3 simple steps:
1. Rinse the peas
Place the dried peas in a colander and rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Soak the peas
Overnight method: Place the rinsed peas in a large bowl and cover them with about 3-4 cups of water for every 1 cup of dried peas. Let them sit at room temperature for 6-8 hours or overnight.
Quick soak method: If you're short on time, put the rinsed peas in a pot, cover them with water, and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the peas sit for about 1 hour.
3. Drain + rinse
After soaking, drain the peas and give them a quick rinse before cooking. Now, they’re ready to be used in your recipe!
How To Serve Southern Black Eyed Peas
For some seriously tasty sides to go with your Southern black-eyed peas, try these crowd-pleasers:
Sop up that saucy goodness with some cornbread! You can even crumble it on top of the beans for some extra goodness.
Black-eyed peas are actually beans, not peas! Even though they’re called "peas," they’re part of the legume family, like beans. So, they might have "peas" in the name, but they're technically beans.
Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe Q + A's
How do I store leftover black-eyed peas?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool them completely before refrigerating or freezing.
Do I need to soak the black-eyed peas?
Yes, soaking helps them cook faster and more evenly. You can soak them overnight or use the quick soak method (boil, then let sit for 1 hour).
Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Absolutely! Just drain and rinse them before cooking. They won’t need as long to cook, just heat them through with your seasonings.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure that any broth or seasoning you use is gluten-free (some store-bought broths or seasonings may contain gluten). Check the labels to be safe!
Can I make black-eyed peas ahead of time?
Yes! They store well in the fridge for 3-4 days and taste even better the next day after the flavors meld. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Meatless or Vegan?
Yes, you can make this Southern Black-Eyed Peas recipe vegan! Just skip the bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor. Be sure to choose a vegan Worcestershire sauce (like Annie's) to keep it fully plant-based, and use a veggie stock.
More Recipes Loaded With Cajun Flavor
Now that you've fallen in love with these Southern Black Eyed Peas, give these other Southern dishes a try:
If you tried this Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
This Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe is bursting with bold Cajun flavors, smoky bacon, and just the right amount of spice. It's easy to make and totally packed with flavor. Trust me y'all, it’s a dish that hits the spot every time! Gluten-free + Meatless Option.
In a large bowl, add the black eyed peas and sort the beans and discard any stones, debris, or "bad" looking beans. Cover the beans with water and then discard in beans that float to the top.
SOAK BEANS:
Then soak the beans for at least 8 hours or overnight before rinsing and drain them. See Notes for more details!
COOK THE BEANS:
In a pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil. Once heated, add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the chopped bell peppers, and jalapeños, sautéing for another 1-2 minutes. Then add the stock, Worcestershire sauce, black eyed peas, cooked bacon, BBQ sauce (if using), kale, bay leaves, and cajun seasoning, stirring to combine.
Reduce the heat and let everything simmer (uncovered) until the black eyed peas become tender, about 40-45 minutes or so. After the 40 minutes mark, you can begin to check the beans every 10-15 minutes to ensure that they're the right amount of tenderness. Discard the bay leaves. NOTE: For a bit of thickness to the gravy/sauce, slightly mash a few beans as they cook using the back of a wooden spoon.
STORAGE: Leftover beans can be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight when ready to serve. To reheat, warm over the stovetop or microwave to serve.
CANNED VS. DRIED: Instead of using dried beans, you can use 2 (15 oz.) cans of black eyed peas and add them in about 15 minutes before the dish is finished cooking.
TIPS FOR BETTER DIGESTION WITH BEANS: Struggling with bean digestion? Here are 5 Tips For Better Bean Digestion to make it easier on your stomach so you can enjoy all the goodness beans have to offer!
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LET US KNOW!
So yummy!
This was good!!