Creamy Black Eyed Peas: A Comforting Southern Delight

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Creamy Black Eyed Peas is a dish that embodies Southern comfort food at its finest. This hearty meal features tender black-eyed peas cooked to perfection with savory bacon and aromatic spices, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s perfect for lunch or dinner and is sure to bring warmth to any gathering. The combination of flavors creates a delightful experience that makes you want to come back for seconds. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Black Eyed Peas

This Creamy Black Eyed Peas recipe is not just about taste; it’s also about convenience. Here are some reasons to love it:

Hearty and filling, this dish can easily serve as a main course.
Rich in flavor thanks to smoky bacon and spices.
Perfect for meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge.
Versatile—great as a side dish or main dish.
Easy to make, even for beginners.
Can be adapted into a vegan creamy black-eyed peas alternative without bacon.
It’s a southern creamy black-eyed peas dish that captures the essence of Southern cuisine.
Offers a healthy balance of protein and fiber.

Ingredients for Creamy Black Eyed Peas

Gather these items:

6 thick-cut bacon slices, chopped
4 celery stalks, sliced (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 medium-size yellow onion, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
3 garlic cloves, chopped (about 1 Tbsp.)
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
Fresh scallions, sliced (for garnish)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 1/2 cups uncooked Carolina Gold rice
8 cups lower-sodium chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cups fresh or frozen black-eyed peas

How to Make Creamy Black Eyed Peas Step-by-Step

Step 1: In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon, stirring occasionally, until it starts to crisp, about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Add the sliced celery, chopped onion, green bell pepper, garlic, fresh thyme, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt to the bacon. Cook until the onion becomes tender, about 8 minutes.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and add the black-eyed peas, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the peas are tender, about 40 minutes.
Step 4: Drain the pea mixture, reserving the cooking liquid. Return the peas and 1 cup of the reserved cooking liquid to the Dutch oven, cover, and keep warm while you cook the rice.
Step 5: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the Carolina Gold rice and cook, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly toasted, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in 3 cups of the reserved cooking liquid and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, about 15-18 minutes.
Step 6: Gently stir the cooked rice into the pea mixture in the Dutch oven. Add the remaining reserved cooking liquid in 1/4 cup increments until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Sprinkle servings with sliced fresh scallions for garnish.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Black Eyed Peas

Keep these in mind:

Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor.
Adjust seasoning to taste, especially if you prefer a spicier dish.
For a black-eyed peas with cream sauce, consider adding a splash of heavy cream before serving.

Best Ways to Serve Creamy Black Eyed Peas

Here are a few serving suggestions:

Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal.
Pair with cornbread for a classic Southern experience.
Enjoy as a hearty side dish with grilled meats.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Black Eyed Peas

For meal prep, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth to achieve the desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Black Eyed Peas

What’s the secret to perfect Creamy Black Eyed Peas?

The key to perfect creamy black-eyed peas is slow cooking them with the right spices and ensuring they are tender. Using quality ingredients like fresh herbs and good bacon enhances the flavor.

Can I make Creamy Black Eyed Peas ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare creamy black-eyed peas ahead of time. Simply cook and store in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving for best results.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Creamy Black Eyed Peas?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t overcook the peas and adjust seasoning as needed. Also, remember to reserve some cooking liquid to control the creaminess.

Variations of Creamy Black Eyed Peas You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations:

Try adding spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
Experiment with different spices like smoked paprika for a unique twist.
For a vegan version, substitute bacon with mushrooms or tempeh.

Creamy Black Eyed Peas: A Comforting Southern Delight - Creamy Black Eyed Peas - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out Hearty Beef Shepherd’s Pie or Creamy Green Bean and Potato Soup. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, try Irresistible Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake or Gooey Cinnamon Cream Cheese Muffins. For a quick snack, Air Fryer Alexia Sweet Potato Fries are a great option!

For more information on the health benefits of black-eyed peas, you can visit Healthline.