Southern Black-Eyed Peas (Ready-to-Print Version)

Tender black-eyed peas simmered with smoky spices and aromatic vegetables for a soulful taste.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Legumes

01 - 2 cups dried black-eyed peas or 4 cups cooked/canned black-eyed peas

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, chopped
05 - 2 celery stalks, chopped

→ Liquids

06 - 4 cups vegetable broth
07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Spices & Seasonings

08 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
09 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
10 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
11 - Salt, to taste
12 - Black pepper, to taste

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse under cold water and soak overnight. Drain and rinse again before cooking. For canned peas, drain and rinse thoroughly.
02 - Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add chopped onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until vegetables are softened and aromatic.
03 - Incorporate smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, stirring to release the spice fragrances.
04 - Pour in vegetable broth and add the prepared black-eyed peas. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until peas are tender—30 to 45 minutes for canned, 1 to 1.5 hours for dried.
05 - Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot over rice or alongside cornbread to enjoy an authentic Southern meal.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Soaking dried peas overnight reduces cooking time and improves digestibility.