Joan'S Spicy Hot Black-Eyed Peas
Joan's Spicy Hot Black-Eyed Peas is a bold, flavorful dish featuring smoky bacon, tender black-eyed peas, and a spicy tomato-based sauce. Perfect for casual gatherings or comforting weeknight dinners, it combines savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors that appeal to those who enjoy hearty, seasoned vegetarian-friendly meals.
Ingredients
- 3 slices bacon or substitute oil ⓘ
- 1 (17 oz.) can black-eyed peas ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) can whole tomatoes (undrained) ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- fresh parsley, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp.
- Remove bacon; crumble and set aside or substitute oil.
- Stir chopped tomatoes, onion, green pepper, garlic, cumin, dry mustard, curry powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper into the bacon drippings or oil in the skillet.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour the mixture into a serving dish.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon and chopped parsley over the top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vegetarian option, replace bacon with olive oil or a plant-based bacon substitute. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of curry powder and chili powder according to your preference. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also be used to enhance the flavor. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying meal or alongside Rouladen for a delightful dinner.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the spicy hot black-eyed peas warm, garnished with fresh parsley and crumbled bacon on top. This dish pairs beautifully with rice or cornbread for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside Pork Chops And Lima Beans for a complete Southern-inspired dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent sticking. This dish also freezes well; just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Joan'S Spicy Hot Black-Eyed Peas contains roughly 453 calories, with 22g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (71% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 688mg per serving (30% 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, then boil until tender before adding them to the skillet with the other ingredients. This will enhance the texture and flavor of the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the spiciness, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor combined with heat. Adjust the amount of chili powder to suit your spice tolerance.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or even kale for added nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure all vegetables are tender.
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).