Are you craving a taste of the South? Then look no further! This black eyed peas recipe, inspired by the queen of Southern cooking herself, Paula Deen, is guaranteed to transport your taste buds straight to a cozy kitchen in the heart of Georgia. This isn't just a side dish; it's a comforting, flavorful experience that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a truly delicious and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make! This recipe offers healthy meals and quick dinner ideas, perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed
- 8 cups water
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 slices bacon, diced (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Black Eyed Peas
Soak the black-eyed peas overnight in plenty of cold water. This step significantly reduces cooking time and improves their texture. If you're short on time, you can skip the soaking, but expect a longer cooking time.
Step 2: Sautéing the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon (if using) over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon grease in the pot. Add the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Building the Flavor
Add the smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot and stir well to combine with the vegetables. This step builds the deep, savory flavor profile that makes this dish so special.
Step 4: Simmering the Peas
Drain the soaked black-eyed peas and add them to the pot along with 8 cups of water and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the peas are tender. If you skipped the soaking step, you may need to simmer for up to 2 hours, or even longer.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Once the peas are cooked through, remove the bay leaf. Stir in the crispy bacon (if using) and half of the chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Serving and Enjoying
Serve your delicious black-eyed peas warm, as a side dish to your favorite protein, or as a hearty vegetarian meal on its own. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley before serving.
Cooking Tips for the Best Black Eyed Peas:
- Soaking is key: Soaking the peas overnight drastically cuts down on cooking time and improves their texture. Don't skip this step if you can help it!
- Don't overcook: Overcooked peas can become mushy. Aim for tender but not falling-apart peas.
- Adjust seasonings to taste: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking. A dash of hot sauce adds a nice kick.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, corn, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Black Eyed Peas: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Ham Hock Black Eyed Peas: For an even richer flavor, add a smoked ham hock during the simmering process.
- Vegetarian Black Eyed Peas: Omit the bacon for a delicious vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Around 10-12 grams
- Fiber: Around 8-10 grams
This recipe is a perfect example of delicious and healthy food recipes that are easy to make. Enjoy this easy recipe for a quick dinner idea, and remember that homemade cooking is always best! It’s a great addition to your collection of best recipes.