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October 27, 2024
Looking for a delicious and hearty dish to warm you up on a chilly evening? Look no further than black eyed peas with bacon. This classic southern dish is not only packed with flavor, but it is also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress.
Black eyed peas are a type of legume that are a staple in southern cooking. They have a mild, earthy flavor and a slightly creamy texture. When cooked with bacon, they take on a rich and smoky taste that is truly irresistible. Plus, the addition of bacon adds a savory element that complements the peas perfectly.
To make black eyed peas with bacon, start by soaking the peas overnight to help shorten the cooking time. The next day, cook the bacon until crispy in a large pot. Remove the bacon and set it aside, but keep the grease in the pot. Add the soaked peas, along with some chicken broth, onions, garlic, and spices to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour or until the peas are tender. Serve your black eyed peas with bacon as a side dish or as a main course with some cornbread on the side.
In conclusion, black eyed peas with bacon is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to please. So grab your apron and get ready to enjoy a bowl of warm and hearty black eyed peas with bacon.
Step-by-step guide: how to cook black eyed peas with bacon
Black eyed peas with bacon is a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side. Below is a simple step-by-step guide on how to cook it:
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of dried black eyed peas
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
Instructions:
Step 1: Rinse the black eyed peas under cold water. Sort through them and remove any debris or stones.
Step 2: In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot using a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot.
Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the bacon grease and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Step 4: Return the cooked bacon to the pot with the onions and garlic. Add the rinsed black eyed peas, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until the black eyed peas are tender, stirring occasionally.
Step 6: Once the black eyed peas are cooked, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to thicken the liquid.
Step 7: Serve the black eyed peas with bacon hot as a main dish or as a side. It pairs well with cornbread or rice.
Enjoy your homemade black eyed peas with bacon!
Soak the black eyed peas overnight
To prepare black eyed peas with bacon, you will first need to soak the peas overnight. This step helps to soften the peas and reduce the cooking time. Here’s how to soak black eyed peas:
Step 1: Rinse the black eyed peas with cold water to remove any debris.
Step 2: Place the peas in a large bowl and cover them with water. Make sure the water level is at least 2 inches above the peas.
Step 3: Add a pinch of salt to the water and stir to dissolve.
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Step 4: Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
Step 5: Allow the peas to soak overnight at room temperature.
Note: It’s important to soak the black eyed peas overnight as this will help to soften them, making them easier to cook and more flavorful.
Cook the bacon until crispy
To start preparing your black eyed peas with bacon dish, begin by cooking the bacon until it becomes crispy. This step is important because it will add a rich and smoky flavor to the dish.
To cook the bacon, you will need a frying pan or skillet. Heat the pan over medium heat and add the bacon slices. Make sure to spread them out evenly in the pan. Allow the bacon to cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until it becomes crispy and browned. You can adjust the cooking time based on your preference for crispiness.
While cooking the bacon, make sure to keep an eye on it and turn it occasionally to cook it evenly. You may also need to adjust the heat if the bacon starts to cook too quickly or not quickly enough.
Once the bacon is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess grease.
You can then crumble the bacon into small pieces or chop it into bite-sized strips, depending on your preference. Set the bacon aside for now, as it will be added to the black eyed peas later in the cooking process.
Chop onions and garlic
To start cooking black eyed peas with bacon, you will need to chop the onions and garlic. This step is important as it helps to release the flavors of these aromatic ingredients.
Step 1: Take 1 medium-sized onion and peel off the skin. Use a sharp knife to finely chop the onion.
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Step 2: Peel about 3-4 cloves of garlic and mince them using a garlic press or finely chop them with a knife.
Pro tip: If you prefer a bolder garlic flavor, you can use more cloves of garlic.
Once you have finely chopped the onions and minced the garlic, set them aside as they will be added to the black eyed peas later in the cooking process.
Sauté onions and garlic in bacon fat
To add depth of flavor to your black eyed peas, start by sautéing onions and garlic in the rendered bacon fat. This step will infuse the dish with a rich, smoky taste.
First, finely dice an onion and mince a few cloves of garlic. Heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat and add the bacon. Cook the bacon until it becomes crispy and releases its fat.
Remove the cooked bacon from the pan and set it aside. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pan – this will be your cooking oil. Add the diced onion to the pan and sauté it in the bacon fat until it becomes translucent and slightly golden.
Next, add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté it for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
The combination of the onions, garlic, and bacon fat will create a flavorful base for your black eyed peas. This will be the foundation for the rest of the ingredients and seasonings to come.
Add soaked black eyed peas and water
After soaking the black eyed peas overnight, drain them and rinse them thoroughly. This helps to remove any dirt or impurities.
In a large pot, add the soaked black eyed peas and enough water to cover them. For every 1 cup of black eyed peas, add 3 cups of water.
Note: You can adjust the amount of water based on your preference. If you like a thicker consistency, use less water.
Tip: To enhance the flavor, you can also use chicken or vegetable broth instead of water.
Simmer and season to taste
Once the peas are tender, it’s time to simmer them and season them to taste. Add the cooked bacon back to the pot and allow the flavors to meld together on low heat for about 10-15 minutes.
During this time, you can add additional seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or any other spices that you prefer. Taste the peas and adjust the seasoning as needed until they have the desired flavor.
You can also add some additional ingredients like chopped onions, bell peppers, or celery if you like. Let the ingredients simmer together to enhance the flavor even more.
Remember, the longer the black eyed peas simmer, the more flavorful they will become. Just make sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Once the peas are seasoned to your liking, they are ready to be served. You can enjoy them as a side dish or use them as a base for other recipes like soups or stews.
So go ahead and simmer your black eyed peas with bacon, season them to taste, and enjoy a delicious and hearty dish!
Q&A
What are the ingredients needed for cooking black eyed peas with bacon?
The ingredients needed for cooking black eyed peas with bacon are black eyed peas, bacon, onion, garlic, vegetable or chicken broth, salt, pepper, and other seasonings of your choice.
How do I cook black eyed peas with bacon?
To cook black eyed peas with bacon, start by soaking the black eyed peas overnight. In a large pot, cook the bacon until crispy, then remove it and set it aside. In the same pot, sauté the onion and garlic until softened. Drain the soaked peas and add them to the pot along with the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the peas are tender. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Finally, crumble the cooked bacon over the top before serving.
Can I use other ingredients instead of bacon?
Yes, if you don’t eat bacon or prefer a different flavor, you can use other ingredients instead. Some alternatives to bacon for cooking black eyed peas include smoked sausage, ham hocks, or even vegetarian bacon substitutes.
What are the health benefits of black eyed peas?
Black eyed peas are a nutritious legume that offer several health benefits. They are a good source of protein, dietary fiber, and various vitamins and minerals. They can help support digestive health, improve heart health, and contribute to weight management. Additionally, black eyed peas are low in fat and calories, making them a healthy addition to any diet.