Co-Op Student Home Cookin'
A hearty, budget-friendly dish featuring black-eyed peas and sausage, topped with creamy instant grits. Perfect for quick comfort food for students and busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. can blackeyed peas
- 1 packet Lipton instant chicken Cup-a-Soup
- 1 can Bluebird or Redbird imitation vienna sausage ⓘ
- instant grits
Instructions
- Combine the black-eyed peas, Lipton instant chicken soup, and imitation sausage in a large saucepan.
- Heat the mixture until warmed through.
- Add instant grits gradually until the mixture solidifies to your desired consistency.
- Serve warm.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding spices like garlic powder or cayenne pepper. If you don't have imitation sausage, diced cooked chicken or even canned tuna could work as substitutes. For a heartier dish, try incorporating some leftover vegetables. Instant grits can vary in cook time, so adjust the quantity based on your preferred thickness or texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm as a filling meal on its own or alongside cornbread for a comforting Southern-inspired dinner. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like Paper Bag Barbecue Chicken for a complete meal. Garnish with chopped green onions or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Co-Op Student Home Cookin' contains roughly 29 calories, with 5g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% 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 make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the imitation sausage and using vegetable broth in place of water for the grits. You could also add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to enhance the dish without losing flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking. You could also stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or serve it with Spicy Hot Wings on the side for an extra kick.
What can I serve with this dish?
This dish can be enjoyed alone, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some sautéed greens. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside Aunt Connie's Potato Casserole or some warm biscuits to soak up the flavors.
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).