Here's the Dish
Good n' Spicy Black-Eyed Peas
By Charlotte on June 11, 2016 5:54 PM
You can't get away with serving plain ole black-eyed peas around our house. If I try, both Bob and I end upreaching for hot pepper sauce (reminds me of his dad John), Worcestershire sauce,chow-chow relish or maybe all three.You know we Texans love to spice things up!
While that can be quite yummy, this Tex-Mex spin on the southern favorite removes the need for any add-ins.Rotel tomatoes plus Tabasco, Worcestershire and Srirachasaucesgive it a little kick. No Rotel in your area? Just substitute canned, diced tomatoes and throw in some green chilies.
In this simple side dish, black-eyed peas get a flavor boost from Tabasco, Worcestershire and Sriracha saucesas well asRotel tomatoes with green chilies.
Preparing this spicy side is simple and it takes only a couple of hours to cook. Just keep in mind that the dried peas need to soak in water for 8-12 hours first. That can happen overnight or during the day so long as you make sure the water covers them by several inches (you can't use too much). The peas swell and can dry out without enough water.
Great any season, these tasty, Texas-approved gems compliment pork chops, chicken fried steak, fried chicken and more. And, since they're high in protein, just omit the ham and you have a delicious main dish sure to please any vegetarians in the family. Bonus!
Texas-Style Black Eyed Peas
Serves 4 - 6
- 1/2 pound dried black-eyed peas
- 2 chunks leftover or deli ham
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 can (10 ounces) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon Tabasco
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (6-ounce) can Spicy Hot V8 Vegetable Juice
- 1 1/4 cupchicken broth
- 1/2 tablespoon Sriracha Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Rinse peas and place in a large bowl, cover completely with water and soak overnight. (The peas will swell and dry out if you don't have enough water.)
Next morning, place oil, ham and onion in a tall pot and cook over medium heatuntil ham is slightly brown and onion is tender.
Drain and rinse peas.
Place Rotel tomatoes and theirjuice in a food processor or blender and chop into fine pieces.
Add peas, Rotel and all remaining ingredients except salt to pot.Bring to a boil; then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Partially cover the pot and cook 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until peas are tender. Check peas occasionally to make sure they aren't boiling dry. If they need more liquid, add warm water. This keeps them from becoming tough.
Discard bay leaf. Remove ham and chop into small pieces if needed (often, it falls apart on its own). Return ham to the pot with the peas, add salt and stir to combine.
You'll also enjoy:
- How to Make the Best Chicken Fried Steak in Texas
- Low-Cal Enchilada Casserole
- Oh-So-Cheese Zucchini and Rice Casserole
- Patsy's Ranch-Style Pinto Beans
- Red Hot Buffalo Chicken Breasts
- WOW! Pork Chops
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By Laura Cipullo and Lisa Mikus, authors of Everyday Diabetes Meals
Image credit: Colin Erricson
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
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FAQs
- The lean and savory taste of grilled chicken or turkey complements the earthy flavors of black-eyed peas. - Smoked sausages, such as andouille or kielbasa, add a smoky and robust flavor that enhances the dish. - Tender and flavorful braised pork, like pork chops or pulled pork, goes wonderfully with black-eyed peas.
Should you drain and rinse canned black-eyed peas? ›
Canned black-eyed peas are best in recipes that don't require slow cooking or a long cook time, which can make them mushy. If you're using canned black-eyed peas, simply rinse them in a colander to remove any liquid from the can as well as excess salt. Then you're good to go!
How do you make canned black-eyed peas taste better? ›
I cook about 2 slices of bacon til crispy, add drained black eyed peas (canned), along with paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. I usually like Lowry's seasoned pepper but plain black pepper is good. Plus about half a cup of water or even broth. The beans can get very dry, so I always add some liquid.
Should I add baking soda to black-eyed peas? ›
Your Beans Will Cook Faster
Well, creating an alkaline (or basic) environment by adding a small amount (about 1 teaspoon per cup of dry beans) of baking soda to your soaking/cooking water can actually help your beans cook faster.
Is it OK to eat black-eyed peas everyday? ›
Eating black-eyed peas regularly can provide a number of health benefits, including: Reducing the risk of heart disease. Black-eyed peas are high in fiber, which can help to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Improving blood sugar control.
Why soak black-eyed peas before cooking? ›
— Let your black-eyed peas soak. Place your beans in a large bowl and add enough water to cover by at least 4". Let them soak overnight. While not entirely necessary, soaking your beans will cut down on cooking time, making the whole process quicker and easier.
What happens if you forget to rinse beans before cooking? ›
If you're a relatively healthy person though, enjoying canned beans without draining or rinsing them first is fine. That's because our bodies require sodium to function. It's only when we go above and beyond what we need that it becomes a problem.
How long do black-eyed peas take to cook? ›
Soaked black eyed peas take about 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours to cook, depending on the age of the beans, how long they were soaked for and how soft you prefer them. If you're starting with frozen black eyed peas, microwave until thawed before adding them to your dish.
What happens if you don't rinse canned beans? ›
"If you rinse your beans thoroughly, you will have a consistently flavored product, but if you do not rinse them, different amounts of salt will remain in the dish each time you cook it, and it will be hard to cook consistently," he says.
What thickens black-eyed peas? ›
Smash more of the peas up against the inside of the pot again (this helps the broth thicken). Simmer for 10 minutes more. Check the consistency of the black-eyed peas: If they are not creamy enough for you, smash a few more peas. If the broth is too thick, thin out with a little more water.
Add basic seasonings to the peas. Salt and pepper work well, but oregano, garlic powder, chili powder or a variety of different popcorn seasons can help hide the taste of the peas as well.
Why are black-eyed peas still hard after cooking? ›
Most whole dry bean and peas will begin to sprout if you soak them long enough. If they're still hard after you cook them for an hour, be sure they have enough water to cover them, and simmer until they soften. Taste the water. If it's bitter, rinse the beans, and put in new water.
How do you jazz up black-eyed peas? ›
Add flavor with broth, bouillon, and stock.
I like to add a variety of broth/stock to give flavor to these peas. For a milder flavor, use chicken or vegetable broth. For a richer flavor, use beef. Here are several options for adding flavor with broth/stock.
How do you get rid of gas from black-eyed peas? ›
Simply place dried beans in a container, cover them with water and let them soak. They'll need to soak eight to 12 hours, but the key to eliminating the gas is draining and rinsing every three hours. Yup, you read that right. Drain, rinse and start soaking again every three hours.
How do you spice up canned black eyed peas? ›
Canned black-eyed peas can be seasoned to enhance their flavor. Common seasonings include garlic, onion, salt, pepper, and herbs such as thyme or parsley. You can sauté these seasonings in a little oil before adding the peas, or simply mix them in while the peas are cooking.
How do people eat black-eyed peas? ›
Some of these variations include: Serving your black-eyed peas with greens (collards, mustard, or turnip), the peas represent coins and the greens represent paper money. Cornbread, often served with black-eyed peas and greens, represents gold.
What do you eat with black-eyed peas on New Year's? ›
So, we've established that eating black-eyed peas on January 1 will bring you a year's worth of prosperity. But the luck won't stick, according to many legends, if you don't eat them with greens (which symbolize money), cornbread (which symbolizes gold), and pork (which symbolizes luck, as pigs root forward).
Can you eat black-eyed peas plain? ›
Black-eyed peas can be eaten raw — like green peas or edamame — or dried and used for cooking, often after soaking to reduce cooking time.
When should you eat black-eyed peas? ›
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day has been a tradition held by families for decades, but where did it first come from? Let's connect the dots. According to author and food scholar Adrian Miller, eating black-eyed peas for the holiday is said to bring good luck, health and abundance.
