Southern Black-Eyed Peas
Savory Southern black-eyed peas cooked with onions, savory, red pepper flakes, perfect as a comforting side dish for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine black-eyed peas and water in a medium saucepan; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- In a nonstick skillet, spray with vegetable spray.
- Saute onion in the skillet until soft.
- Add bouillon granules, ground savory, and crushed red pepper flakes to the onion; stir to mix.
- Add this mixture to the beans.
- Cover and let simmer for 50 minutes or until the beans are tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a diced smoked sausage or ham hock during the simmering process. If you don’t have ground savory, you can substitute with thyme or oregano. Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. If using fresh black-eyed peas, reduce the cooking time as they will cook faster than frozen.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Southern Black-Eyed Peas alongside cornbread for a classic Southern meal. They also pair beautifully with Stewed Cabbage and can be enjoyed as a hearty side dish or a main course. Adding a dollop of hot sauce can elevate the flavors, and they make a great filling for wraps or tacos.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Southern Black-Eyed Peas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the consistency. They can also be frozen for up to 3 months; simply thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Black-Eyed Peas contains roughly 100 calories, with 2g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (171% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 frozen?
Yes, you can use dried black-eyed peas. Soak them overnight and then cook them for about 30-40 minutes before adding the onion mixture. Ensure to adjust the water amount as needed, since dried peas will absorb more liquid.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Southern Black-Eyed Peas are perfect for meal prep. They keep well and their flavors deepen over time. Portion them into individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.
What can I serve with black-eyed peas for a complete meal?
To create a balanced meal, serve black-eyed peas with a protein like grilled chicken or fish. You can also add a fresh salad, such as an Irish Potato Salad, to complement the dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
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).