Hearty Paula Deen Black Eyed Peas Recipe for Comfort

Black-eyed peas whisper stories of Southern comfort and culinary heritage on every plate.

These unassuming legumes carry generations of flavor in their tender, creamy kernels.

Rooted deeply in Southern cooking traditions, they transform humble ingredients into unforgettable meals.

Families cherish recipes that honor these nutritional powerhouses, passing down techniques that make magic happen in the kitchen.

Each bite connects you to a rich tapestry of cultural memories and home-cooked warmth.

Regional spices and cooking methods elevate these beans from simple to spectacular.

Savor the soul-satisfying journey through this classic Southern delicacy that promises to delight your taste buds and warm your heart.

How to Store and Reheat Black Eyed Peas

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover black-eyed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The dish maintains its robust flavors and texture when properly sealed.
• Freezer-Friendly Meal: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water to restore moisture.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm the dish in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a little water or broth to prevent drying out and maintain the original creamy consistency.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare a large batch at the beginning of the week. Portion into individual containers for quick, nutritious lunches or dinners that taste even better after the flavors have developed overnight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Paula Deen’s Black Eyed Peas

• Bacon: Choose thick-cut, smoky variety for maximum flavor depth.
• Black-Eyed Peas: Select canned or dried peas, ensuring no discoloration or damage.

• Onions: Pick firm, glossy white or yellow onions with no soft spots.
• Diced Tomatoes With Green Chilies: Look for brand with balanced heat and rich tomato flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Chili Powder: Use freshly ground for most vibrant taste profile.

• Water: Use filtered or spring water to maintain pure ingredient interaction.

Tools and Pot Options for Black Eyed Peas

• Large Saucepan: Spacious cooking vessel for preparing the entire dish, perfect for sautéing and simmering.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping onions and crumbling bacon.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pan.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add salt, chili powder, and black pepper.
• Can Opener: Necessary for opening black-eyed peas and diced tomato cans.
• Serving Dish: Attractive plate for presenting the final meal.

Cooking Instructions for Paula Deen’s Peas

Savor Southern Black-Eyed Peas Delight

• Crisp Bacon Brilliance

Sizzle bacon in a roomy pan until it transforms into golden, crackly perfection. Crumble the strips into tiny, flavor-packed morsels and set aside for a mouthwatering garnish.

• Onion Magic

Utilize the same pan with smoky bacon essence to dance chopped onions into a soft, translucent wonderland that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

• Flavor Fusion Fest

Pour black-eyed peas and zesty diced tomatoes into the pan. Sprinkle in chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Let the ingredients mingle and create a symphony of Southern comfort.

• Slow Dance of Deliciousness

Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer gently. Stir occasionally, allowing the peas to become tender and the flavors to weave a rich, hearty tale. Add splashes of water if the mixture looks thirsty.

• Final Touch of Comfort

Crown your masterpiece with the crispy bacon crumbles. Serve hot and watch as this soul-warming dish brings smiles and Southern hospitality to your dining table.

Flavor Tips and Seasoning Options

• Boost Bacon Crispness: Achieve perfectly crispy bacon by starting with a cold pan and cooking slowly over medium-low heat. This technique ensures even rendering and maximum crunchiness without burning.
• Spice Up Your Simmer: Experiment with different chili peppers like jalapeños or serrano for an extra kick of heat. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences by adding more or less chili powder.
• Make It Veggie-Friendly: Swap bacon for smoked paprika or liquid smoke to maintain a rich, smoky flavor for vegetarian versions. Sauté mushrooms in olive oil to create a similar depth of flavor and texture.
• Customize Your Comfort: Transform this classic dish by adding diced ham, chorizo, or andouille sausage for additional protein and regional flair. Serve over rice or cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce and make the meal more filling.

How to Serve Black Eyed Peas Southern Style

• Pair with Cornbread Delight: Slice up some warm, buttery cornbread to complement the rich, smoky flavors of the black-eyed peas. The slightly sweet bread balances the dish's savory notes perfectly.
• Sprinkle Fresh Herb Freshness: Chop up fresh parsley or green onions and scatter them over the top for a bright, crisp finish that adds a pop of color and subtle freshness to the hearty meal.
• Serve with Tangy Coleslaw: Create a cool, crunchy side of coleslaw dressed in a light vinegar-based dressing to provide a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy black-eyed peas.
• Create a Protein Powerhouse: Pair the dish with grilled chicken or pulled pork to transform this side into a satisfying, protein-packed main course that'll keep you full and happy.

Hearty Paula Deen Black Eyed Peas Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Paula Deen’s black-eyed peas combine Southern comfort with hearty flavors, delivering a classic side dish that warms souls. Simmered with smoky ham and aromatic seasonings, this recipe brings home-style cooking directly to your table.

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Ingredients

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• 4 slices bacon
• 1 (454 g/16 oz) package washed dried black-eyed peas
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 (340 g/12 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in a spacious saucepan over medium heat until golden-brown, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble for later garnishing.
2. Flavor Foundation: Use bacon drippings to sauté onions until translucent, releasing their aromatic essence, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Ingredient Fusion: Combine black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes with green chilies, kosher salt, chili powder, black pepper, and water in the saucepan. Stir thoroughly to blend flavors and ensure even distribution.
4. Slow Simmering: Reduce heat to low, cover with a tight lid, and let the mixture gently simmer for 45-60 minutes. Stir periodically and add water sparingly if the mixture becomes too dry, maintaining a rich, moist consistency.
5. Final Touch: Verify peas’ tenderness by gently pressing with a fork. Once they reach a creamy, soft texture, remove from heat and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with reserved bacon crumbles before serving as a robust side dish or light meal.

Notes

• Bacon Selection: Choose thick-cut bacon for richer flavor and better rendering of fat, enhancing overall dish depth.
• Onion Technique: Dice onions uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and balanced flavor distribution throughout the dish.
• Liquid Management: Monitor moisture carefully during simmering to prevent burning; add water incrementally if mixture becomes too dry.
• Texture Check: Test bean tenderness by gently pressing with fork; perfectly cooked peas should feel soft and creamy without being mushy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg