Black eyed peas are a beloved staple in Southern cooking, often enjoyed as a comforting dish and a symbol of good luck, especially on New Year’s Day. Cooking them in a crock-pot is one of the easiest and most flavorful ways to prepare these nutritious legumes. If you’re wondering how to cook black eyed peas in a crock-pot, this article will guide you step-by-step with tips to make your dish delicious every time.
Why Use a Crock-Pot for Black Eyed Peas?
The slow cooker is perfect for black eyed peas because it allows the flavors to develop gradually while the peas cook to tender perfection without constant attention. You can set it and forget it, making it ideal for busy days or when you want a hearty meal waiting for you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list to get you started, but feel free to customize based on your taste preferences:
– 1 pound dried black eyed peas
– 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegan option)
– 1 large onion, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 ham hock, ham bone, or smoked turkey leg (optional for smoky flavor)
– 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon cumin (optional)
– 1 bay leaf
– Hot sauce or red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
You can also add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or bacon for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Rinse and Sort the Peas
Start by rinsing your black eyed peas under cold water. Pick through them to remove any small stones or debris. Unlike many other dried beans, soaking is optional with black eyed peas when using a crock-pot, thanks to the slow cooking process.
2. Optional Soaking
If you want to reduce cooking time slightly, soak the peas in cold water for about an hour. This is not necessary but can help speed up the process.
3. Prepare the Flavor Base
In a skillet, sauté onions and garlic in a bit of olive oil until soft and fragrant. If using bacon or smoked turkey, cook them here as well to render their flavors.
4. Add Ingredients to the Crock-Pot
Place the rinsed black eyed peas into the crock-pot. Add the sautéed onions, garlic, and meat (ham hock, ham bone, or smoked turkey). Pour in the chicken broth, then add salt, pepper, cumin, bay leaf, and any optional spices or hot sauce. Stir everything to combine.
5. Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crock-pot with the lid and cook:
– On High for 3 to 4 hours, or
– On Low for 6 to 8 hours.
The peas should be tender but not mushy when done.
6. Finish and Serve
Carefully remove the ham hock or turkey leg, shred the meat, and stir it back into the peas. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your black eyed peas over rice, with cornbread, or alongside cooked greens for a classic Southern meal.
Tips for Perfect Crock-Pot Black Eyed Peas
– No presoak needed: The slow cooker does the work, so you can skip soaking if you’re short on time.
– Meat alternatives: Ham hocks are traditional, but smoked turkey or bacon add wonderful flavor. For a vegetarian version, omit meat and use vegetable broth.
– Don’t open the lid: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain temperature and cooking time.
– Spice it up: Add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, or jalapeños for a spicy twist.
– Add vegetables: Bell peppers, diced tomatoes, or greens can be added for extra nutrition and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Black eyed peas pair beautifully with:
– Buttered cornbread
– Collard or turnip greens
– Steamed rice
– Pickled vegetables
These sides complement the smoky, savory flavors of the peas and create a well-rounded meal.
Cooking black eyed peas in a crock-pot is simple, hands-off, and yields a delicious, hearty dish perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and some patience, you’ll have a comforting meal full of flavor and tradition. Enjoy!