Southern Comfort Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
Embrace the rich culinary traditions of the South with this comforting recipe for slow-cooked black eyed peas. Inspired by family memories, this dish combines tender black eyed peas with the savory flavors of bacon and garlic, creating a hearty meal that warms the soul. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, this dish not only serves as a delightful side but also works beautifully as a main course. Ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or a cozy night in, these black eyed peas are sure to please even the pickiest of eaters, making them a great choice for families with children.
N/A
Servings
125
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried black-eyed peas
1 (16 ounce bag, rinsed and quick-soaked)
Chicken bouillon cubes
3 (dissolved in hot water)
Crumbled bacon
1/2 (cup)
Minced garlic
2 (tablespoons)
Dried onion flakes
2 (tablespoons)
Salt
to taste
Black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Rinse the dried black eyed peas thoroughly. To quick soak them, bring a pot of water to boil, then add the peas. Boil for two minutes and let them sit off the heat for one hour. After soaking, drain and rinse the peas again before placing them into the slow cooker.
2
In a heat-safe mug, dissolve the three chicken bouillon cubes in one cup of hot water. You can microwave the water for about a minute and a half to speed up the process. Once dissolved, pour this mixture over the black eyed peas in the slow cooker.
3
Add enough water to the slow cooker so that the liquid covers the peas by approximately three-quarters of an inch. This ensures they will cook evenly without drying out.
4
Add the crumbled bacon, minced garlic, and dried onion flakes to the slow cooker. For fresh onions, substitute with about half a cup finely chopped. Stir the mixture gently to combine the ingredients and evenly distribute the flavors.
5
Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remember, you can adjust the seasoning later based on your taste preferences.
6
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for approximately seven hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Check the tenderness of the peas after about six hours, and taste again to adjust the seasoning with additional garlic, salt, or pepper as desired.
7
Once done, serve the black eyed peas warm, ideally paired with warm cornbread for a true Southern experience.
Nutrition Information
4.2
Fat
16.7
Carbs
5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Southern Comfort Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas?
This is a hearty Southern dish featuring tender black eyed peas slow-cooked with savory bacon, garlic, and onions.
How do I prepare the dried black-eyed peas before cooking?
You should rinse the dried peas thoroughly and then perform a quick soak by boiling them for two minutes and letting them sit for one hour.
What is the quick soak method for this recipe?
Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the peas, boil for two minutes, then let them sit off the heat for one hour before draining and rinsing again.
How do I prepare the chicken bouillon for the slow cooker?
Dissolve three chicken bouillon cubes in one cup of hot water, which can be heated in the microwave for about a minute and a half.
How much water should I add to the slow cooker?
Add enough water to ensure the liquid covers the black eyed peas by approximately three-quarters of an inch.
What can I substitute for dried onion flakes?
You can substitute two tablespoons of dried onion flakes with about half a cup of finely chopped fresh onion.
How much bacon is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of crumbled bacon to provide a savory and smoky flavor.
How much garlic should I use?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of minced garlic.
What is the recommended cooking time?
The black eyed peas should be cooked on the low heat setting for approximately seven hours.
When should I check the tenderness of the peas?
It is recommended to check the tenderness of the peas after about six hours of cooking.
Can I adjust the seasoning during cooking?
Yes, you can taste the dish after six hours and add additional garlic, salt, or pepper as desired.
What is a traditional side dish to serve with these black eyed peas?
These peas are ideally paired with warm cornbread for a true Southern experience.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly dish that is sure to please even picky eaters.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 125 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
The fat content is approximately 4.2 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 16.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this recipe provide?
Each serving provides about 5 grams of protein.
What size bag of dried black eyed peas should I buy?
The recipe uses a standard 16 ounce bag of dried black-eyed peas.
Is this recipe considered a main course or a side dish?
It works beautifully as either a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course.
What temperature setting should I use on my slow cooker?
You should use the low heat setting for the best results.
Do I need to stir the ingredients?
Yes, stir the mixture gently after adding the bacon, garlic, and onion to distribute the flavors evenly.
Can I use fresh onions instead of dried flakes?
Yes, the instructions specifically mention substituting with half a cup of finely chopped fresh onion.
How many chicken bouillon cubes are needed?
The recipe requires 3 chicken bouillon cubes.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The tags include black eyed peas, southern cuisine, slow cooker, comfort food, and hearty meal.
Should I rinse the peas after the quick soak?
Yes, after the one-hour soak, you should drain and rinse the peas again before putting them in the slow cooker.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: black-eyed peas, bouillon, bacon, garlic, onion flakes, salt, and pepper.
Is the salt amount specific?
The salt is added 'to taste,' allowing you to control the sodium level of the dish.
Why is bouillon dissolved in hot water first?
Dissolving it first ensures even distribution of the flavor throughout the slow cooker.
Can I serve this at a gathering?
Yes, it is described as an ideal choice for gatherings, family dinners, or cozy nights in.
How do the flavors meld in this dish?
The slow cooking process over seven hours allows the flavors of bacon, garlic, and onion to meld beautifully with the peas.