Baked Black-Eyed Peas
Hearty baked black-eyed peas with ham and vegetables, offering smoky, savory flavors perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Chop the green bell pepper and wash the dried peas, removing any bad peas. Soak the peas overnight.
- Drain the peas and cook them in the same soaking liquid.
- Before baking, add chopped onion, chopped ham, garlic salt, chopped celery, salt, pepper, Tabasco sauce, and Worcestershire sauce to the cooked peas.
- Cover completely with water.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F for 2 1/2 hours or until done.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika or a bay leaf while baking. If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce can be a good substitute. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of the soaking liquid and omit the ham. Ensure the peas are fully cooked and tender before baking for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions
Baked black-eyed peas can be served as a hearty main dish or as a side. They pair well with cornbread or a green salad, such as Broccoli Salad Iii, to balance the flavors. For a more filling meal, serve alongside rice or mashed potatoes. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can add brightness just before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the peas in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. They can also be microwaved in a covered dish, stirring halfway.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Black-Eyed Peas contains roughly 153 calories, with 5g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (50% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2269mg per serving (99% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned black-eyed peas for convenience. If using canned, skip the soaking and cooking steps. Instead, simply combine the drained peas with the other ingredients and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of Tabasco sauce or include diced jalapeños. You could also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture before baking, allowing you to customize the spice level to your preference.
What other meats can I use in this recipe?
While ham is a classic choice, you can substitute it with cooked bacon, sausage, or even shredded chicken for different flavor profiles. For a vegetarian option, consider adding smoked tempeh or mushrooms for a savory depth without meat.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).