Creamy Black Eyed Peas

Looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the goodness of legumes with a creamy twist? Try our creamy black-eyed peas recipe! It’s a southern classic that brings warmth and comfort to any meal.

Black-eyed peas, often associated with good luck, are a staple in Southern cuisine, especially for New Year’s celebrations.

These peas are rich in flavor and tradition, and when combined with a creamy base, they become a delicious and comforting dish loved by many.

This recipe brings together the heartiness of black-eyed peas with the richness of cream and seasonings, making it a go-to meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This

1. Rich and Creamy Texture: The combination of black-eyed peas with creamy ingredients creates a rich, satisfying texture that pairs perfectly with rice or cornbread.
2. Quick and Easy: This dish can be made in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
3. Nutrient-Packed: Black-eyed peas are full of protein, fiber, and vitamins, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
4. Versatile: This creamy dish pairs well with a variety of main courses or can be enjoyed on its own as a filling meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Cuisines: Southern, American
Servings: 4-6
Estimated Cost: $8-$10
Equipment: Large pot, stirring spoon, measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried black-eyed peas (or 4 cups cooked black-eyed peas)
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra richness)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas: If using dried peas, rinse them thoroughly and soak them in water overnight or use the quick-soak method. To quick-soak, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the peas, and boil for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover, and let them sit for 1 hour before draining.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Broth and Black-Eyed Peas: Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and add the black-eyed peas, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
4. Make it Creamy: Once the peas are cooked, remove the bay leaf and add the heavy cream and milk. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. If you’d like a richer taste, add butter at this stage.
5. Serve: Once the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency, remove from heat. Serve with rice, cornbread, or enjoy on its own. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor.

Tips for Success

1. Use Fresh or Pre-Cooked Peas: If you don’t have time to soak dried peas, you can use canned or frozen black-eyed peas. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the recipe.
2. Adjust the Creaminess: Feel free to adjust the amount of cream and milk to suit your taste. For a richer dish, use more cream; for a lighter version, add more milk.
3. Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat in the dish.
4. Consistency: If the dish becomes too thick while cooking, you can always add more broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 290
• Protein: 10g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fiber: 8g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Sugars: 4g

Print Pin

Creamy Black Eyed Peas

Looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that combines the goodness of legumes with a creamy twist? Try our creamy black-eyed peas recipe! It’s a southern classic that brings warmth and comfort to any meal.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Southern, American

Keyword Black-Eyed Peas, Creamy Black Eyed Peas

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Servings 6

Calories 290kcal

Cost 8$-10$

Ingredients

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried black-eyed peas or 4 cups cooked black-eyed peas
• 4 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon butter optional for extra richness
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas: If using dried peas, rinse them thoroughly and soak them in water overnight or use the quick-soak method. To quick-soak, bring a pot of water to a boil, add the peas, and boil for 2 minutes. Turn off the heat, cover, and let them sit for 1 hour before draining.
• Cook the Onions and Garlic: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the Broth and Black-Eyed Peas: Pour in the vegetable broth (or water) and add the black-eyed peas, smoked paprika, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
• Make it Creamy: Once the peas are cooked, remove the bay leaf and add the heavy cream and milk. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. If you’d like a richer taste, add butter at this stage.
• Serve: Once the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency, remove from heat. Serve with rice, cornbread, or enjoy on its own. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor.

Notes

Can I use canned black-eyed peas?
Yes, you can substitute dried black-eyed peas with canned or frozen ones. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the dish.

2. Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute in place of heavy cream, and swap butter for olive oil to keep the dish vegan-friendly.

3. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover creamy black-eyed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

4. Can I freeze creamy black-eyed peas?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Common Questions

1. Can I use canned black-eyed peas?
Yes, you can substitute dried black-eyed peas with canned or frozen ones. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the dish.

2. Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream substitute in place of heavy cream, and swap butter for olive oil to keep the dish vegan-friendly.

3. How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover creamy black-eyed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.

4. Can I freeze creamy black-eyed peas?
Yes, you can freeze this dish. Let it cool completely before storing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

This creamy black-eyed peas recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting side dish or a filling main, it’s a simple, flavorful, and hearty option.

Enjoy the warmth and richness of this Southern classic, and here’s wishing you lots of delicious meals ahead!