These days, the problem of proper nutrition is a concern for so many people. Therefore, when it comes to versatile, hearty, and healthy ingredients, black-eyed peas recipes come to the forefront. Inspired by the legendary Southern cook Paula Deen, known for her rich and flavorful dishes that bring comfort to every table, these recipes take a cue from her love for traditional yet innovative cooking.
Paula Deen, often referred to as the “Queen of Southern Cuisine,” has spent decades sharing her passion for creating dishes that celebrate the heart and soul of Southern traditions, while also encouraging experimentation in the kitchen.
All of this makes black-eyed peas the perfect addition to any dish. Let’s try to figure out what can be cooked from these amazing legumes that everyone should definitely try. These 5 black-eyed peas recipes will give you the opportunity to prepare both hearty and light, fresh dishes to our table.
Let’s try to figure out what can be cooked from these amazing legumes that everyone should definitely try. These 5 black-eyed peas recipes will give you the opportunity to prepare both hearty and light, fresh dishes to our table.
1. Black-eyed Southern-style Peas with Greens
This recipe is classic and gives you the opportunity to prepare a dish with tradition, but also leaves room for experimentation. Here, black-eyed peas are perfectly combined with tender roasted greens. Let’s take a look at what it takes.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas.
- 4 cups fresh leaf lettuce, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add the herbs and braise until soft.
- Add the black-eyed peas, paprika, salt and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes over low heat.
Have you tried it? Not only is this dish delicious, it’s rich in vitamins A and C, as well as vegetable protein.
Serve with traditional southern cornbread.
2. Salad with Black Eyed Peas and Lemon Dressing
I think you will enjoy this salad too and make it often for a healthy lunch or side dish. It’s light, flavorful and just packed with goodness.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked black-eyed peas
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tbsp. olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mix the black-eyed peas, peppers, cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley in a large bowl.
- In a separate bowl, make the dressing by mixing together the lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly.
This recipe demonstrates how healthy and delicious recipes with black-eyed peas can be.
Bonus. You can make the salad with stock, as it stays fresh for several days.
3. Black-eyed Pea Soup with Spices
Black-eyed peas are used to make more than just salads. This amazing soup with a spicy fragrant flavor will warm you up nicely on a cold day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried black-eyed peas soaked overnight
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks of celery, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. turmeric
- ½ tsp. chili flakes
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Fry the onion, carrots and celery in olive oil until soft.
- Add the spices and cook for another minute.
- Stir in the black-eyed peas and broth and bring to a boil.
- Turn down the heat and simmer for 40 minutes until the peas are cooked.
The soup turns out very hearty, rich in fiber and spices that have anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric.
Tip. It is recommended to serve the soup with crusty bread. You will get a real pleasure!
4. Vegan Black-Eyed Pea Burgers
You might be surprised to learn that burgers can be plant-based! Here, we’ll share a recipe for vegan burgers that both vegans and meat eaters will love.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Mash the black-eyed peas in a bowl, leaving some texture.
- Add the bread crumbs, onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Form into patties and fry in a skillet until golden brown on both sides.
To serve these hearty black-eyed peas burgers, stock up on whole wheat buns with toppings to suit your taste. Once you try these vegan burgers, you won’t be disappointed.
5. Black Eyed Pea Curry with Coconut Milk
Let’s reconfigure our taste buds and try this creamy and flavorful curry. You will feel all the deliciousness of this dish that is not only delicious but also healthy. Here is everything you need to know to prepare it.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked black-eyed peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 2 tsp. curry powder
- 1 tsp. ginger, chopped
- 1 tsp. turmeric
- Fresh cilantro for decoration
Instructions:
- Fry the onion and ginger in olive oil until soft.
- Add curry powder and turmeric, cook for another minute.
- Add black-eyed peas, coconut milk and chopped tomatoes to the same place.
- Braise for 15 minutes and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
This dish is high in plant protein and antioxidants. So the benefits to our body are obvious. By the way, did you notice that the whole dish is cooked in one pot? This is just what you need for cooking on busy weekday evenings.
Secret Tips for Perfect Black-Eyed Pea Recipes from Paula Deen
Secret 1: Soak and Season Your Black-Eyed Peas Properly
To bring out the best flavor in black-eyed peas, soak dried peas overnight in water with a pinch of salt and a bay leaf. This step not only reduces cooking time but also enhances the peas’ natural taste. During cooking, consider adding a touch of smoked paprika, cumin, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for an extra depth of flavor. Pre-seasoned peas will elevate every recipe, from salads to curries, by giving them a more robust and balanced taste.
Secret 2: Use Fresh Herbs and Citrus for Brightness
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or thyme and a squeeze of citrus (lemon or lime) just before serving can transform your dish. This small addition brightens the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast to the earthiness of the peas. For example, the Lemon Dressing Salad benefits greatly from fresh parsley and a touch of extra lemon zest for an even more vibrant, mouthwatering flavor profile.
Secret 3: Layer Your Spices for Maximum Flavor
When using spices like turmeric, curry powder, or smoked paprika, always toast them briefly in oil before adding other ingredients. This technique unlocks the full aroma and flavor of the spices, ensuring they evenly coat the dish. For example, when preparing the Black-Eyed Pea Curry, toasting curry powder and turmeric with ginger at the start creates a flavorful base that enhances the richness of the coconut milk and the black-eyed peas.
Why Black-Eyed Peas?
As we wrote above, black-eyed peas are a versatile ingredient that contains many nutrients…. It’s rich in fiber, protein, and many important vitamins like folic acid. According to a research published in Nutrients, legumes like black-eyed peas can improve heart health and lower cholesterol. So, using black-eyed peas in our menu is not only delicious but also extremely beneficial.
Products you may find useful:
Dried Black-Eyed Peas (Organic) – for soups and stews.
Reusable Vegetable Storage Bags – to keep greens fresher longer.
Cast Iron Skillet – indispensable for southern cooking.
Interested to see which of these recipes you try first?
Share in the comments or tell us about your own recipes
