Crockpot Black Eyed Peas

Why make this recipe

Crockpot Black Eyed Peas is a delicious and hearty dish perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. This recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it a great choice for busy days. Plus, black-eyed peas are packed with protein and fiber, making this dish nutritious as well as tasty. Whether it’s New Year’s Day or just a regular weeknight, this comforting meal will surely please everyone at the table.

How to make Crockpot Black Eyed Peas

Making Crockpot Black Eyed Peas is simple and straightforward. With just a few ingredients and a little patience, you can create a warm and flavorful dish that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound black-eyed peas
• 8 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf

Directions

1. Rinse and soak the black-eyed peas overnight in water. Drain the peas before using.
2. In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pan.
3. Sauté the onion and garlic in the bacon fat until soft.
4. In a crockpot, combine the soaked black-eyed peas, sautéed onion and garlic, bacon, broth, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and bay leaf.
5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the peas are tender.
6. Discard the bay leaf before serving.

How to serve Crockpot Black Eyed Peas

Crockpot Black Eyed Peas can be served as a main dish or as a side. Spoon the peas into bowls and enjoy them with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or serve with hot sauce for those who like a kick.

How to store Crockpot Black Eyed Peas

To store leftover Crockpot Black Eyed Peas, let them cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them completely before reheating.

Tips to make Crockpot Black Eyed Peas

• For extra flavor, you can add diced ham or sausage along with the bacon.
• If you want a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use vegetable broth instead.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for more nutrition and flavor.

Variation

If you want to switch things up, try adding spices like cumin or chili powder for a different taste. You can also mix in some diced tomatoes for a heartier dish.

FAQs

1. Do I have to soak black-eyed peas?

Soaking the peas overnight is recommended to soften them and reduce cooking time. However, if you forget, you can cook them longer without soaking.

2. Can I use canned black-eyed peas?

Yes, you can use canned black-eyed peas. Just skip the soaking and reduce the cooking time to about 2-3 hours on low.

3. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe; just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold everything and adjust the cooking time as needed.

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