Zesty Black-eyed Peas

Zesty Black-eyed Peas Recipe - A Delicious Dish from the USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Zesty Black-eyed Peas is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe combines the earthy taste of black-eyed peas with the smoky flavor of ham and a kick of spice from jalapeno peppers. It is a popular Southern dish that is often enjoyed on New Year's Day for good luck.

History

Black-eyed peas have been a staple in Southern cuisine for centuries. They are believed to have originated in Africa and were brought to the United States by African slaves. Black-eyed peas are often associated with good luck and prosperity, which is why they are traditionally eaten on New Year's Day in the South.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of cleaned and sorted dry black-eyed peas, cooked until tender or 5 to 6 cups of cooked black-eyed peas
6 cups of water
1 whole medium onion, diced
1 whole medium green bell pepper, diced
2 to 4 cloves of garlic, finely diced
2 smoked ham hocks or meaty ham bone
0.75 tsp of black pepper (add to taste)
1 tbsp of salt (to taste)
1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced (optional)

How to prepare

Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker or crock pot.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
One hour before the dish is done, remove bones and skins, scrape off any fat from the skin, and chop the meat.
Put the chopped ham back into the pot.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the ham bone and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Add diced tomatoes or okra for a different flavor profile.
Experiment with different spices, such as cumin or smoked paprika, to customize the dish to your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Soaking the black-eyed peas overnight can help reduce cooking time and improve their texture.

- Adding a smoked ham bone to the dish adds a rich and smoky flavor. You can also use bacon or ham hocks for a similar effect.

- Adjust the amount of jalapeno peppers to suit your spice preference. You can also leave them out entirely if you prefer a milder dish.

Serving Suggestions

Zesty Black-eyed Peas can be served as a main dish with cornbread on the side. It also pairs well with rice or greens for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking the black-eyed peas allows them to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients and become tender and creamy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have black-eyed peas, you can use other types of beans, such as navy beans or pinto beans.

- Substitute the ham bone with smoked turkey wings or neck bones for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

Zesty Black-eyed Peas can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Serve in a bowl with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Zesty Black-eyed Peas pairs well with cornbread, collard greens, or a side salad. For a complete meal, serve with fried chicken or grilled sausage.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Zesty Black-eyed Peas contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Zesty Black-eyed Peas contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Zesty Black-eyed Peas contains approximately 5 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Zesty Black-eyed Peas contains approximately 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Black-eyed peas are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains pork (ham bone), which may be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Zesty Black-eyed Peas is a nutritious dish that is high in protein and fiber. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal.

Summary

Zesty Black-eyed Peas is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a happy memory that I will always cherish. It was a hot summer day, much like today, and I was visiting my dear friend Mary at her family's farm. Mary and I had been friends since we were young girls, and we always enjoyed spending time together in the kitchen, swapping recipes and sharing stories.

On this particular day, Mary's grandmother, Grandma Mabel, was busy preparing a delicious meal for us. As soon as I walked into the farmhouse, I was greeted by the mouth-watering aroma of spices and herbs wafting through the air. I knew I was in for a treat.

Grandma Mabel was a master in the kitchen, known for her hearty and flavorful dishes. She had learned to cook from her own mother, who had passed down the family recipes through generations. As we sat down to eat, Grandma Mabel served us a heaping bowl of zesty black-eyed peas, a dish I had never tasted before.

The moment I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe was something special. The combination of tangy tomatoes, spicy jalapenos, and savory bacon created a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I couldn't help but ask Grandma Mabel for the recipe.

With a twinkle in her eye, Grandma Mabel agreed to share her secret recipe with me. She led me into the kitchen, where she patiently guided me through the process of making the zesty black-eyed peas from scratch. As we chopped vegetables, sautéed onions, and simmered the beans on the stove, Grandma Mabel shared stories of her own childhood and the memories she had of learning to cook from her mother.

I listened intently, soaking up every word and savoring the time spent with Grandma Mabel in her cozy kitchen. By the time the dish was ready, I felt like I had not only learned a new recipe but had also gained a deeper understanding of the love and tradition that went into every meal Grandma Mabel cooked.

As we sat down to enjoy the zesty black-eyed peas together, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures of good food shared with loved ones. The flavors of the dish were bold and comforting, a true reflection of the warmth and love that Grandma Mabel poured into her cooking.

From that day on, zesty black-eyed peas became a staple in my own kitchen. I cooked the dish for my own family, passing down the recipe and the stories that came with it to my children and grandchildren. Each time I make the dish, I am reminded of that hot summer day at Mary's farm and the joy of discovering a new recipe that would become a cherished tradition in my own family.

As I sit here now, stirring a pot of zesty black-eyed peas on the stove, I can't help but smile at the memories that flood back to me. The recipe may have originated with Grandma Mabel, but the love and connection it represents have been passed down through the generations, becoming a part of who we are as a family.

And so, as I take a taste of the zesty black-eyed peas simmering on the stove, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the simple pleasures of good food, shared stories, and the enduring bond of family. The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time will always be a happy one, a reminder of the love and tradition that sustains us through the years.