Southern style cooking is known for its rich, comforting flavors and hearty dishes. One staple in Southern cuisine is black-eyed peas, which are often served for good luck on New Year’s day. While traditionally these peas are cooked from dried, soaking them overnight can be time-consuming. Fortunately, you can easily cook frozen black-eyed peas with the same delicious results.

To begin, gather your ingredients. You will need a bag of frozen black-eyed peas, water or broth, onions, garlic, and your choice of seasonings. Southern-style black-eyed peas are often seasoned with smoked meat, like ham hocks or bacon, for added flavor. If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can skip the meat and use vegetable broth and additional seasonings.

Start by sautéing the onions and garlic in a large pot until they become fragrant and translucent. This will add depth and flavor to your black-eyed peas. Next, add in your frozen peas and enough water or broth to cover them. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and let the peas cook for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until they are tender.

While the peas are simmering, you can prepare any additional seasonings or flavorings you’d like to add, such as salt, pepper, smoked paprika, or hot sauce. Remember to taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Once the peas are tender, remove them from the heat and let them sit for a few minutes to absorb any remaining liquid.

Pro tip: For an extra burst of flavor, stir in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or a splash of hot sauce before serving.

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Overall, cooking frozen black-eyed peas Southern style is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this classic Southern dish. Serve them as a side dish with cornbread and collard greens, or as a main course with rice and a hearty salad. So, the next time you’re craving some Southern comfort, reach for a bag of frozen black-eyed peas and get cooking!

Southern Style Black-Eyed Peas

Black-eyed peas are a classic Southern dish that is often enjoyed on New Year’s Day for good luck. Whether you’re celebrating the holiday or just looking for a comforting and delicious meal, this recipe for Southern style black-eyed peas is sure to satisfy your tastebuds.

Ingredients:

For this recipe, you will need:

  • 1 pound of frozen black-eyed peas
  • 4 slices of bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 4 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

To begin, rinse the frozen black-eyed peas under cold water to remove any ice crystals. Set them aside to drain.

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

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In the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.

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Add the drained black-eyed peas, chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if desired) to the pot. Stir well to combine.

Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the black-eyed peas simmer for about 1 hour, or until they are tender.

Once the peas are cooked, remove the bay leaf from the pot. Taste the peas and adjust the seasonings to your preference.

Before serving, sprinkle the crispy bacon on top of the black-eyed peas. This adds a delicious crunch and smoky flavor.

Serve the Southern style black-eyed peas hot with cornbread or rice. Enjoy!

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Tips for Cooking Black-Eyed Peas from Frozen

Black-eyed peas are a popular ingredient in Southern cuisine, and they make a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal. If you don’t have the time to soak dried black-eyed peas, cooking them from frozen is a convenient option. Here are some tips to ensure that your black-eyed peas turn out tender and flavorful:

1. Rinse the frozen peas under cold water to remove any ice crystals or frost.

2. Place the peas in a large pot and cover them with water. For every 1 cup of peas, use about 4 cups of water.

3. Add some seasoning to the peas to enhance their flavor. Some popular options include salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked ham hock.

4. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let the peas simmer. Cooking time will vary depending on how tender you want the peas to be. Generally, it takes about 40-50 minutes.

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5. Stir the peas occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

6. Taste the peas for doneness. They should be soft but still hold their shape.

7. Once the black-eyed peas are cooked to your liking, drain any excess liquid from the pot.

8. Serve the peas hot as a side dish or use them as a base for other recipes, such as black-eyed pea salad or black-eyed pea soup.

By following these tips, you can enjoy a delicious batch of black-eyed peas cooked from frozen. Whether enjoyed as a side dish or incorporated into other recipes, these peas are sure to be a hit at your next Southern-style meal!

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Why Choose Frozen Black-Eyed Peas?

Frozen black-eyed peas are a convenient option for adding a taste of the South to your cooking. Whether you’re making a classic black-eyed pea salad or a hearty pot of Hoppin’ John, frozen peas can save you time and effort without sacrificing flavor.

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1. Convenience: Frozen black-eyed peas are pre-cooked and ready to use. This means you can skip the soaking and boiling process required with dried peas, cutting down on your cooking time significantly. Whether you need a quick side dish or a main course, frozen black-eyed peas can be on the table in no time.

2. Freshness: Frozen black-eyed peas are harvested at their peak ripeness and immediately flash-frozen, sealing in their natural flavors and nutrients. This means that even though they are frozen, they can still maintain a fresh taste and texture, making them an excellent alternative to using fresh peas when they’re not in season.

3. Versatility: Frozen black-eyed peas can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and casseroles. They have a slightly creamy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with a wide range of ingredients. Whether you’re cooking up a traditional Southern recipe or adding a twist to a classic dish, frozen black-eyed peas can be a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

So the next time you’re craving a taste of the South, reach for a bag of frozen black-eyed peas. With their convenience, freshness, and versatility, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen!

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Ingredients for Southern Style Black-Eyed Peas

What You’ll Need:

– 1 pound frozen black-eyed peas

– 4 slices bacon, chopped

– 1 medium onion, diced

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 green bell pepper, diced

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– 1 jalapeno, seeded and diced

– 2 cups chicken broth

– 1 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

– 1 bay leaf

– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Note: The frozen black-eyed peas will need to be thawed before cooking. You can either thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.

If you prefer a vegetarian version, feel free to omit the bacon and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas

Start by rinsing the frozen black-eyed peas under cold water to remove any ice crystals and dirt. Then, place the peas in a large colander and allow them to drain.

2. Sort and Check for Debris

Spread the peas out on a clean surface and sort through them to remove any debris or discolored peas. Discard any peas that are shriveled or have a dark color.

3. Soak the Peas

Transfer the sorted peas into a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow the peas to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. This step will help to soften the peas and reduce the cooking time.

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4. Drain and Rinse

After soaking, drain the peas and rinse them with cold water to remove any excess starch.

5. Cooking the Black-Eyed Peas

Transfer the drained peas to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add enough water or broth to cover the peas by about 1 inch.

Option Measurement
Water 4 cups
Broth 4 cups

Bring the liquid to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid. Simmer the peas for about 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until they are tender.

6. Seasoning the Peas

Once the peas are tender, add salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings to taste. Some popular seasonings for southern-style black-eyed peas include smoked ham hocks, diced onions, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir the seasonings into the peas and let them simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. Serving the Black-Eyed Peas

Once the peas are cooked and seasoned to your liking, they are ready to be served. Enjoy them as a side dish with cornbread, rice, or collard greens for a traditional southern meal.

FAQ

What is the best way to cook frozen black-eyed peas?

The best way to cook frozen black-eyed peas is to first soak them in water overnight to soften them. Then, you can cook them on the stovetop by bringing them to a boil, reducing the heat, and letting them simmer until tender.

Can I cook frozen black-eyed peas without soaking them?

Yes, you can cook frozen black-eyed peas without soaking them, but soaking them overnight helps to soften them and reduce the cooking time. If you choose not to soak them, you will need to cook them on the stovetop for a longer period of time.

What ingredients are needed to cook frozen black-eyed peas southern style?

To cook frozen black-eyed peas southern style, you will need ingredients such as smoked ham hock, onion, garlic, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and some type of fat or oil (such as bacon grease or vegetable oil) for flavor.

Can I use a slow cooker to cook frozen black-eyed peas?

Yes, you can use a slow cooker to cook frozen black-eyed peas. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the peas are tender.

Are frozen black-eyed peas as good as fresh ones?

Frozen black-eyed peas can be just as good as fresh ones when cooked properly. Freezing helps to preserve their freshness, and they still retain their nutritional value and taste. However, some people prefer the taste and texture of fresh black-eyed peas.