John'S Black-Eyed Peas
A hearty Southern dish featuring smoky bacon, tender black-eyed peas, and fluffy rice, enhanced with shredded coconut for a subtle sweetness—perfect for comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon in water for 30 minutes, then add black-eyed peas and rice. Simmer until peas are soft.
- Add shredded coconut and simmer on lowest heat for 15 minutes.
- Remove bacon and slice into pieces.
- Drain peas and rice and place in the oven to dry until fluffy.
- Serve with sliced bacon on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider using smoked turkey instead of bacon or a vegetarian bacon alternative. If you want to enhance the sweetness, add a tablespoon of brown sugar along with the coconut. Soaking the black-eyed peas overnight can also help reduce cooking time. Ensure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking, especially during the final simmer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve John’s Black-Eyed Peas with sliced bacon on top for a hearty meal. Pair it with seasoned collard greens or cornbread for a comforting Southern-style dinner. For a complete spread, consider adding a side of Eddie Mae's Turnips for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent drying out and microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through. This dish also freezes well; just ensure it's cooled completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of John'S Black-Eyed Peas contains roughly 404 calories, with 10g protein, 50g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when cooking the black-eyed peas. You can also serve it with a hot sauce of your choice on the side, allowing each person to customize their heat level.
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).