Southern Spiced Black-Eyed Peas Delight
Embrace the heart of Southern cuisine with this Spicy Black-Eyed Peas Delight recipe, inspired by treasured traditions. This dish combines the rich flavor of crispy bacon, tender black-eyed peas, and zesty diced tomatoes with green chilies to create a savory symphony. Served over warm, fluffy rice with a side of cornbread, it brings comfort and nostalgia to your dining table. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe showcases the soulful essence of Southern cooking—where every bite is infused with love and tradition!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
4 (slices)
Onion
1 (medium, chopped)
Black-eyed peas
1 (16 ounce package, dried and washed)
Diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 (12 ounce can, undrained)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Chili powder
1 (teaspoon)
Black pepper
0.5 (teaspoon)
Water
3 (cups)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, render the bacon slices over medium heat until they are crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan and drain on paper towels, leaving the delicious drippings in the saucepan.
2
Add the chopped onion to the bacon drippings and sauté until it becomes translucent and tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Stir in the washed black-eyed peas, ensuring they are evenly coated with the sautéed onion and drippings.
4
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies (including the juice) and sprinkle in the salt, chili powder, and black pepper.
5
Add the water to the mixture, stirring to combine all the ingredients well. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
6
Cover the saucepan and cook over medium heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. Stir occasionally, adding additional water if necessary to prevent sticking.
7
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the black-eyed peas over rice, garnished with the crumbled bacon.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Spiced Black-Eyed Peas Delight?
It is a traditional Southern dish combining tender black-eyed peas, crispy bacon, and zesty tomatoes, typically served over rice.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are dried black-eyed peas, bacon, onion, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and various spices.
How long does it take to cook the black-eyed peas?
Once the mixture is simmering, it takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour for the dried black-eyed peas to become tender.
Do I need to soak the black-eyed peas before cooking?
The recipe calls for washed dried peas. While not explicitly requiring an overnight soak, washing them thoroughly is essential before simmering.
How do I prepare the bacon for this dish?
Render 4 slices of bacon in a large saucepan until crisp, then remove to drain and crumble for a garnish later.
What should I serve with Southern Spiced Black-Eyed Peas?
This dish is best served over warm, fluffy rice with a side of cornbread to complement the Southern flavors.
Is this recipe spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick thanks to the addition of chili powder and a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving of this dish.
What is the protein content of this recipe?
Each serving provides about 9g of protein.
How much fat is in this black-eyed pea dish?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates does a serving contain?
A single serving contains 25g of carbohydrates.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and sauté the onions in olive oil or butter instead of bacon drippings.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
Use a 12-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies, and do not drain them before adding to the pot.
How much water is required?
The recipe requires 3 cups of water, but you may need to add a bit more if the liquid evaporates too quickly during simmering.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with salt, chili powder, and black pepper.
What size onion is recommended?
One medium-sized chopped onion is used to provide flavor to the base.
Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Yes, though you will need to significantly reduce the cooking time and the amount of water used.
How do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onions in the reserved bacon drippings for 5 to 7 minutes until they are translucent and tender.
Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can transfer the sautéed ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, with only 8 ingredients and a simple one-pot simmering method, it is a very accessible recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze the cooked black-eyed peas?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 8 total ingredients in this recipe.
How do I know when the peas are done?
The peas are done when they are tender to the bite but not falling apart or mushy.
Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
No, keep the juice from the canned tomatoes as it adds flavor and liquid to the base of the dish.
Can I use turkey bacon instead?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used, though you may need to add a tablespoon of oil to the pan since it produces less fat for sautéing.
What kind of rice goes best with this?
Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice is traditional and works best to soak up the savory sauce.
Should I add the bacon back into the pot?
The recipe recommends using the crumbled bacon as a garnish on top of the served dish to maintain its crispness.
Can I add other vegetables to this?
Bell peppers or celery can be sautéed along with the onion for added depth and nutrition.
What makes this dish 'Southern'?
Its use of black-eyed peas, bacon drippings for flavor, and the tradition of serving it with rice and cornbread are staples of Southern cuisine.