Black Eyed Peas Recipe

The Black Eyed Peas recipe belongs to the category of legume-based dishes and is often associated with Southern cuisine. It is a popular and traditional recipe that is commonly served as a side dish or as a main course.

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 (16-ounce) package of dried black-eyed peas, washed
• 1 (12-ounce) can of diced tomatoes and green chiles
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups water

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy and browned. This will take approximately 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
2. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Allow it to cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. Set aside for later use as a delicious topping for the black-eyed peas.
3. In the same saucepan with the remaining bacon drippings, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes tender and translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
4. Add the washed black-eyed peas to the saucepan. You can easily wash the peas by placing them in a colander and rinsing them under cold running water.
5. Next, add the diced tomatoes and green chiles to the saucepan. These ingredients will provide a flavorful kick to the black-eyed peas. You can use canned diced tomatoes and green chiles or prepare them fresh.
6. Season the mixture with salt, chili powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the dish.
7. Pour 3 cups of water into the saucepan. The water will help cook the peas and create a flavorful broth. It should be enough to cover the peas, but if needed, you can add more water later during cooking.
8. Cover the saucepan with a lid and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.
9. Allow the black-eyed peas to cook for approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they become tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
10. If the mixture appears to be getting too dry during cooking, you can add additional water, about 1/2 cup at a time, as needed to maintain the desired consistency.
11. Once the black-eyed peas are tender and cooked through, remove the saucepan from the heat. The peas should be soft but still hold their shape.
12. Serve the black-eyed peas hot, garnished with the crumbled bacon on top. The crispy bacon adds a delightful texture and savory flavor to the dish.
13. Black-eyed peas can be enjoyed as a standalone meal or served as a side dish with cornbread, rice, or other Southern favorites.

Enjoy the delicious and comforting flavors of Black Eyed Peas!