Black eyed peas, a nutritional powerhouse packed with protein and fiber, are a delicious and versatile ingredient. While they might seem intimidating to cook from dry, using a slow cooker makes the process incredibly easy and yields perfectly tender peas every time. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to achieve delicious, melt-in-your-mouth black eyed peas in your crock pot.
Preparing Your Black Eyed Peas
Before you even start cooking, a little prep work goes a long way. This step helps ensure even cooking and prevents tough peas.
1. Sorting and Rinsing:
Begin by carefully sorting through your dried black eyed peas. Remove any small stones or debris that may have accidentally gotten mixed in. After sorting, thoroughly rinse the peas under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes any lingering dust or impurities.
2. Soaking (Optional but Recommended):
Soaking your black eyed peas isn't strictly necessary for crock pot cooking, but it significantly reduces cooking time and results in a more tender final product. For best results, soak the peas in cold water for at least 4-6 hours, or even overnight. This allows them to rehydrate and soften, leading to quicker cooking and a better texture. After soaking, drain the water before proceeding.
Cooking Black Eyed Peas in Your Crock-Pot: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that your peas are prepped, let's get cooking!
1. Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried black eyed peas (rinsed and optionally soaked)
- 4 cups water or broth (chicken or vegetable broth adds extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional additions: 1 onion (chopped), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 bay leaf, smoked paprika, ham hock (for a smoky flavor)
2. Crock Pot Cooking:
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Combine ingredients: Add the rinsed and drained black eyed peas to your slow cooker. Pour in the water or broth, and add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings or aromatics (onion, garlic, bay leaf, etc.). If using a ham hock, add it to the pot as well.
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Cook on low: Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours. The cooking time will depend on whether you soaked the peas and the specific slow cooker you're using.
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Check for tenderness: After the minimum cooking time, check a pea to ensure it's tender. If it's still firm, continue cooking in 30-minute increments until it reaches your desired tenderness. Overcooked peas will become mushy, so avoid overcooking.
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Season and Serve: Once cooked, remove the bay leaf (if used) and the ham hock (if used), discarding the bone. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You can mash some of the peas for a creamier texture, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas
- Don't overcrowd the crock pot: Leave enough space for the peas to cook evenly.
- Use a good quality broth: Using broth instead of water adds depth of flavor.
- Experiment with seasonings: Get creative with your seasonings! Add spices like cumin, chili powder, or cayenne pepper for a flavorful kick.
- Make it a meal: Add cooked black eyed peas to soups, stews, salads, or rice dishes.
- Leftovers: Store leftover black eyed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Following these steps will ensure that your crock pot black eyed peas turn out perfectly every time. Enjoy this simple, delicious, and healthy dish!
