Black-Eyed Peas And Spareribs
A hearty Southern-inspired dish featuring tender spareribs simmered with flavorful black-eyed peas, tomatoes, and green peppers. The combination of smoky spices, sweet brown sugar, and savory ingredients creates a comforting, robust meal perfect for family dinners, served best over rice or with crusty bread.
Ingredients
- 1 small onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 lb. spareribs, cut into 3-inch pieces ⓘ
- 1 tsp. paprika ⓘ
- 2 (15 oz.) cans black-eyed peas, drained ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1/2 c. dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can tomatoes
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. packed brown sugar ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Saute sliced onion and minced garlic in oil in a 4 or 5-quart pot or skillet until softened.
- Add spareribs and brown them on all sides.
- Sprinkle with paprika, then add drained black-eyed peas, water, and white wine.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour, until ribs are tender.
- Add canned tomatoes, chopped green pepper, brown sugar, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook slowly for 30 to 45 minutes until flavors meld.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or some smoked paprika. If you don't have dry white wine, chicken or vegetable broth can be a good substitute. To save time, you can use pre-cooked ribs. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is heated through without overcooking the peas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Black-Eyed Peas and Spareribs over cooked rice or with crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce. A side of Jim'S Mother'S Beet Pickles adds a refreshing contrast, and a simple green salad can brighten the meal. For a complete dinner, consider pairing it with Harvest Soup for a cozy touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking, or microwave in short intervals until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black-Eyed Peas And Spareribs contains roughly 1170 calories, with 33g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (65% of the Daily Value), iron (34% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1872mg per serving (81% 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 dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried black-eyed peas, but they will require soaking and longer cooking times. Soak them overnight and adjust the water and cooking time accordingly, as they usually take about 1-2 hours to soften depending on their freshness.
What kind of spareribs should I use?
Pork spareribs are traditional for this recipe, but you can also use baby back ribs for a leaner option. Ensure they are well-trimmed for the best flavor and tenderness, as fattier cuts lend a richer taste to the dish.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Black-Eyed Peas and Spareribs make a great meal prep option. The flavor develops even more after sitting, so it's perfect for making ahead. Just store in portions, and reheat when needed for a hearty meal any day of the week.
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).