Cajun Spiced Black-Eyed Pea Delight
Experience the rich, hearty flavors of the South with this Cajun Spiced Black-Eyed Pea Delight. Perfectly cooked black-eyed peas, combined with andouille sausage and an array of aromatic vegetables, create a soulful soup that sings with bold Cajun spices. This easy crock pot recipe requires minimal prep and infuses your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas as it simmers. Serve it alongside fluffy cornbread for a comforting meal that serves 8-12—ideal for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping for those chilly days. Enjoy a bowl of warmth, flavor, and tradition!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
dried black-eyed peas
16 ounces (sorted and soaked overnight)
chopped celery
1 cup (fresh)
chopped onion
1 cup (fresh)
chopped carrots or bell pepper
1 cup (fresh or mixed)
garlic
5 cloves (minced)
bay leaves
1-2 (whole)
andouille sausages or kielbasa
1 lb (cut into chunks)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
cajun spices or spice essence
1 tablespoon (to taste)
chicken broth
49 1/2 ounces (large can)
cayenne pepper sauce or Tabasco sauce
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
Sort the dried black-eyed peas, removing any debris, and soak them in plenty of water overnight for optimal absorption.
2
The next day, drain and rinse the soaked peas thoroughly under cold water.
3
In a large crock pot, combine the soaked and rinsed peas, chopped celery, onion, carrots or bell pepper, minced garlic, bay leaves, and cut sausage.
4
Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and your choice of Cajun spices.
5
Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are submerged.
6
Set the crock pot to low heat and allow it to cook for 8-10 hours, or until the peas are tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
7
Once cooked, carefully remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning with cayenne sauce or Tabasco according to your preference.
8
Serve hot, with extra hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a little extra heat!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cajun Spiced Black-Eyed Pea Delight?
It is a rich, hearty Southern soup made with black-eyed peas, andouille sausage, aromatic vegetables, and bold Cajun spices.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve between 8 and 12 people.
What is the primary cooking method for this dish?
The dish is prepared using a crock pot or slow cooker set to low heat.
Do the black-eyed peas need to be soaked?
Yes, the dried black-eyed peas should be sorted to remove debris and soaked in water overnight for optimal absorption.
How long does the soup need to cook in the slow cooker?
It should cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours until the peas are tender and the flavors have melded.
What kind of sausage can be used in this recipe?
You can use either andouille sausage or kielbasa, cut into chunks.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes chopped celery, onion, garlic, and either chopped carrots or bell peppers.
What spices are used to season the soup?
The seasoning includes salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and Cajun spices or spice essence.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it features bold Cajun spices and cayenne, but the heat level can be adjusted to your personal preference.
What should I serve with Cajun Spiced Black-Eyed Pea Delight?
It is traditionally served with fluffy cornbread and extra hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy heat.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe calls for one large can of chicken broth, which is approximately 49.5 ounces.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe requires 5 cloves of minced garlic.
Do I need to remove the bay leaves?
Yes, you should carefully remove and discard the bay leaves once the cooking process is complete.
Can I use bell peppers instead of carrots?
Yes, you can use 1 cup of chopped carrots, bell peppers, or a mixture of both depending on your preference.
What is the preparation for the black-eyed peas after soaking?
After soaking overnight, drain and rinse the peas thoroughly under cold water before adding them to the crock pot.
How much celery and onion are required?
The recipe uses 1 cup of fresh chopped celery and 1 cup of fresh chopped onion.
What is the recommended weight for the dried peas?
The recipe uses a 16-ounce package of dried black-eyed peas.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal recipe for meal prepping, especially for cold weather or busy weeknights.
Can I add more heat to the finished dish?
Yes, you can taste and adjust the seasoning with cayenne sauce or Tabasco once the cooking is finished.
What amount of sausage is needed?
The recipe requires 1 lb of andouille sausage or kielbasa.
How much Cajun spice should be added?
One tablespoon of Cajun spices or spice essence is recommended for the best flavor.
Is this dish easy to prepare?
Yes, it requires minimal prep work as most of the cooking happens slowly in the crock pot.
What do I do if I find stones in the dried peas?
Sorting the dried peas before soaking allows you to find and remove any debris or stones.
Can I use a different type of broth?
The recipe specifies chicken broth, but you could substitute it with vegetable broth if you prefer.
What is the prep for the sausage?
The sausage should be cut into chunks before being added to the crock pot with the other ingredients.
How much cayenne pepper is in the base recipe?
The base recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to taste.
How much black pepper is included?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
How much salt is recommended?
One teaspoon of salt is recommended, though you can adjust this to your taste.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The 5 cloves of garlic should be minced before being added to the soup.
How many bay leaves are used?
The recipe uses 1 to 2 whole bay leaves to infuse the soup with aroma.