Black eyed peas, also known as cowpeas, are a delicious and nutritious legume that can be cooked in a variety of ways. One popular method is to cook them in a crock pot or slow cooker. This method allows the black eyed peas to slowly simmer and absorb all the flavors of the ingredients, resulting in a hearty and flavorful dish.

To begin, you will need to gather your ingredients. You will need one pound of dried black eyed peas, which have been rinsed and sorted to remove any rocks or debris. You will also need one medium onion, finely chopped, two cloves of garlic, minced, and four cups of vegetable or chicken broth.

In a heated skillet, add a tablespoon of oil and sauté the onions and garlic until they are translucent and fragrant. This will help to enhance their flavors and ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the dish. Once the onions and garlic are ready, transfer them to the crock pot.

Next, add the rinsed black eyed peas to the crock pot and pour in the broth. You can also add additional seasonings and spices, such as bay leaves, thyme, or smoked paprika, to enhance the taste of the dish. Stir everything together to ensure that the ingredients are well combined.

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Cover the crock pot and cook the black eyed peas on low heat for six to eight hours, or until they are tender and cooked through. The longer they cook, the softer they will become. Once the black eyed peas are done, you can season them with salt and pepper, to taste.

Black eyed peas cooked in a crock pot are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on their own, served over rice, or used as a filling for soups and stews. They are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy addition to your diet. So, give this easy and flavorful recipe a try and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal!

Prepare the Dried Black Eyed Peas

Before starting to cook the dried black eyed peas in a crock pot, it is important to properly prepare them. Follow these steps to ensure that your black eyed peas are ready for cooking:

1. Sort and Rinse the Peas

Remove any debris or stones from the black eyed peas by spreading them out on a clean surface and sorting through them. Discard any discolored or damaged peas. Rinse the peas under cold water to remove any dust or dirt.

2. Soak the Peas (Optional)

Soaking the black eyed peas overnight before cooking can help to reduce the cooking time and make them more tender. To soak the peas, place them in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Allow them to soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Sorting the Peas Soaking the Peas (Optional)
Sorting the Peas Soaking the Peas

Soaking and Rinsing

Before cooking dried black-eyed peas in a crock pot, it is important to soak and rinse them properly. Soaking helps to soften the beans and reduce the cooking time, while rinsing helps to remove any dirt or debris.

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Step 1: Soaking the Black-Eyed Peas

1. Measure the desired amount of dried black-eyed peas and place them in a large bowl.

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2. Add enough water to the bowl to cover the peas by at least 2 inches.

3. Let the peas soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Alternatively, you can use the quick soak method by bringing the peas to a boil for 2 minutes, then removing them from heat and letting them soak for 1 hour.

Step 2: Rinsing the Black-Eyed Peas

1. After the peas have finished soaking, drain them using a colander or strainer.

2. Rinse the peas under cold water, gently rubbing them between your fingers to remove any remaining dirt or debris.

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3. Once rinsed, the black-eyed peas are ready to be cooked in the crock pot according to your recipe.

By properly soaking and rinsing the dried black-eyed peas, you will ensure that they are clean and ready to be cooked to perfection in your crock pot. Enjoy!

Removing Any Debris

Before cooking dried black eyed peas in a crock pot, it’s important to remove any debris that may be present. Debris can include dirt, stones, or any other foreign objects that may have made their way into the bag of dried peas.

To remove debris, start by pouring the dried black eyed peas into a large colander or sieve. Give them a quick rinse under cold water, gently shaking the colander to help dislodge any loose debris. Carefully inspect the peas, picking out any visible debris that you come across.

Once you have removed any visible debris, transfer the dried black eyed peas to a clean bowl and fill it with water. Swish the peas around with your hands to further dislodge any dirt or small particles that may be present. Drain the water and repeat the rinsing process until the water runs clear and there are no more debris or impurities.

By taking the time to remove any debris before cooking, you ensure that your dried black eyed peas will be clean and ready to be cooked in the crock pot. This step is essential for a delicious and wholesome meal.

Cooking the Dried Black Eyed Peas

Before cooking dried black eyed peas in a crock pot, you need to prepare them properly to ensure they are clean and ready for cooking. Follow these steps:

  1. Start by sorting through the dried black eyed peas and remove any stones or debris that may be present.
  2. Rinse the black eyed peas under cool running water to remove any dust or dirt.
  3. After rinsing, transfer the black eyed peas to a large bowl or pot.

Stovetop Soaking Method

If you prefer to soak the black eyed peas before cooking, use the stovetop soaking method:

  1. Add enough water to the bowl or pot to fully cover the black eyed peas.
  2. Cover the bowl or pot with a lid and let the black eyed peas soak for at least 6 hours or overnight.
  3. Once the black eyed peas have soaked, drain and rinse them again before cooking.

Quick Soak Method

If you don’t have time to soak the black eyed peas overnight, you can use the quick soak method:

  1. In a large pot, add the black eyed peas and cover them with water.
  2. Bring the water to a boil over high heat and let it boil for 2 minutes.
  3. After 2 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and cover it with a lid.
  4. Let the black eyed peas soak in the hot water for 1 hour.
  5. After soaking, drain and rinse the black eyed peas before cooking.
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Once you have prepared the dried black eyed peas using either soaking method, they are ready to be cooked in the crock pot. Follow your chosen crock pot recipe and cook the black eyed peas on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until they are tender and cooked through.

Add the Ingredients

Before you begin cooking the dried black eyed peas in your crock pot, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients: Measurements:
Dried black eyed peas 2 cups
Vegetable broth or water 4 cups
Onion, diced 1 medium
Garlic cloves, minced 2
Bay leaves 2
Salt 1 teaspoon
Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon
Smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon
Thyme 1/2 teaspoon

Notes:

Please note that you can adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. You can also add additional ingredients such as chopped ham, sausage, or vegetables to enhance the flavor of the dish.

Preparation:

Prior to adding the ingredients to your crock pot, it’s important to rinse the dried black eyed peas under cold water and remove any debris or impurities. Once the peas are clean, you can proceed with adding them to the crock pot along with the rest of the ingredients.

Set the Crock Pot

1. Before you start cooking the dried black eyed peas in a crock pot, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment.

2. Place the crock pot on a stable and heat-resistant surface, such as a kitchen countertop or table.

3. Ensure that the crock pot is clean and dry before using it.

4. Plug in the crock pot and turn it on by selecting the desired cooking temperature. If your crock pot has a “low” and “high” setting, it is recommended to cook the black eyed peas on “low” for a longer cooking time.

5. Allow the crock pot to preheat for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

6. While the crock pot is preheating, gather the pre-measured dried black eyed peas and any additional ingredients you’ll be using, such as onion, garlic, herbs, or spices.

7. If desired, you can also soak the dried black eyed peas overnight before cooking them in the crock pot. Soaking the peas can help reduce cooking time and improve their texture.

8. Once the crock pot is preheated, carefully add the dried black eyed peas to the pot. Make sure the peas are spread evenly across the bottom.

9. If you’re using any additional ingredients, now is the time to add them. You can add chopped onions, minced garlic, bay leaves, and other herbs or spices to enhance the flavor of the black eyed peas.

10. After adding the peas and any additional ingredients, cover the crock pot with its lid securely.

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11. Let the black eyed peas cook in the crock pot for 6-8 hours on the “low” setting or 3-4 hours on the “high” setting. Avoid lifting the lid and stirring the peas while they are cooking, as this can release heat and extend the cooking time.

12. Check the black eyed peas for doneness by tasting them after the recommended cooking time. They should be tender but not mushy.

Cooking Temperature Cooking Time
Low 6-8 hours
High 3-4 hours

FAQ

Can I cook dried black eyed peas in a crock pot?

Yes, you can cook dried black eyed peas in a crock pot. It’s a convenient and easy way to prepare them.

What is the best way to cook dried black eyed peas in a crock pot?

The best way to cook dried black eyed peas in a crock pot is to rinse them thoroughly, soak them overnight, then drain and add them to the crock pot with water or broth, and any desired seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until they are tender.

Do I need to soak dried black eyed peas before cooking them in a crock pot?

Soaking dried black eyed peas before cooking them in a crock pot is recommended but not necessary. Soaking helps to soften the peas and reduce the cooking time. If you don’t have time to soak them, you can still cook them directly in the crock pot, but the cooking time will be longer.

Can I cook dried black eyed peas in a crock pot without pre-soaking them?

Yes, you can cook dried black eyed peas in a crock pot without pre-soaking them, but the cooking time will be longer. It’s recommended to soak them overnight to reduce the cooking time and ensure they cook evenly.

What seasonings can I add to the crock pot when cooking dried black eyed peas?

You can add various seasonings to the crock pot when cooking dried black eyed peas, such as onion, garlic, bay leaves, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the peas.

What is the best way to cook dried black-eyed peas in a crockpot?

The best way to cook dried black-eyed peas in a crockpot is to first rinse and sort them to remove any debris. Then, place the peas in the crockpot along with enough water or broth to cover them. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours until the peas are tender. You can also add seasonings like garlic, onion, and smoked meat for extra flavor.

Can I cook dried black-eyed peas without soaking them first?

Yes, you can cook dried black-eyed peas in a crockpot without soaking them first. The slow cooking process helps soften the peas, so soaking is not necessary. However, if you prefer a shorter cooking time or want to minimize the risk of digestive discomfort, you can still soak the peas overnight before cooking them in the crockpot.