Black-Eyed Peas And Cornmeal Dumplings
A hearty Southern-inspired dish featuring tender black-eyed peas simmered with flavorful pork seasonings, topped with fluffy cornmeal dumplings for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook peas in a large pot with water and pork seasonings until tender and flavorful.
- When done, add enough boiling water if necessary to bring the liquid 1/2 inch above the level of peas.
- Bring the mixture to a boil to prepare for adding dumplings.
- Sift flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl.
- Blend in cornmeal and chopped parsley (if using).
- Prepare dumpling batter by mixing in egg, milk, and melted shortening.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter into boiling peas and cook until dumplings are fluffy and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or paprika to the black-eyed peas. If you don't have shortening, unsalted butter or vegetable oil can be good substitutes. For a vegetarian twist, use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the peas. Ensure the dumpling batter is not too thick to achieve the desired fluffiness, similar to Halusky (Small Dumplings).
Serving Suggestions
Serve the black-eyed peas and dumplings in deep bowls, garnished with additional chopped parsley for freshness. This dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or a side salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside Suzie'S Sweet And Sour Meatballs for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover black-eyed peas and cornmeal dumplings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a pot on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black-Eyed Peas And Cornmeal Dumplings contains roughly 335 calories, with 12g protein, 66g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (57% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1990mg per serving (87% 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 for this recipe?
Yes, you can use canned black-eyed peas to save time. Drain and rinse them before adding to the pot. Since they're already cooked, reduce the cooking time for the peas, adding them just before dropping in the dumplings.
What can I serve with black-eyed peas and cornmeal dumplings?
Black-eyed peas and cornmeal dumplings are delicious on their own but can be complemented with a side of collard greens or sautéed greens for added nutrition. Additionally, cornbread makes a great pairing, soaking up the flavorful broth beautifully.
How do I know when the dumplings are done cooking?
Dumplings are done cooking when they have expanded in size and are fluffy, typically taking about 10-15 minutes in the boiling liquid. You can test one by cutting it in half; it should be light and cooked through without any doughy texture.
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).