Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings comfort to any meal with minimal effort. This recipe is incredibly useful for busy individuals or anyone looking for a delicious, set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s packed with nutrients. With its simple preparation and rich taste, it’s a perfect addition to your weekly rotation.
Key Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
- 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large carrot, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1/2 pound smoked ham hock or diced smoked sausage (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, for serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
This Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas recipe is a dream come true for both its simplicity and its profoundly satisfying flavor. It’s incredibly easy to make, calling for minimal hands-on time while delivering a rich, creamy sauce and tender black-eyed peas that practically melt in your mouth. You simply combine everything in the slow cooker, and let the magic happen, resulting in a hearty and delicious meal with just 15 minutes of prep time.
● Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Peas: Rinse the dried black-eyed peas thoroughly under cold water and pick out any small stones or debris. Soaking is not required for this slow cooker method, as they will soften beautifully during the long cook time.
- Combine Ingredients: In the basin of your 6-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the rinsed black-eyed peas, chicken broth, chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped carrot, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), dried thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). If you’re using a ham hock or smoked sausage, add it to the slow cooker now.
- Season Lightly: Add a pinch of salt and pepper at this stage. Remember that smoked meats (if using) and broth can be salty, so it’s best to adjust seasoning towards the end of the cooking process.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the black-eyed peas are tender and easily mashable against the side of the pot. The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and the age of your peas.
- Remove Ham Hock (if used): If you used a ham hock, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Once cool enough to handle, shred any meat from the bone and discard the bone and any excess fat. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker.
- Adjust Seasoning and Texture: Taste the black-eyed peas and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you desire a slightly thicker consistency, you can mash a small portion of the peas against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the apple cider vinegar if using – it brightens the flavors beautifully. Ladle the Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions, if desired, before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
You’ll absolutely adore this Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas recipe for its incredible depth of flavor that develops effortlessly. The main feature is undoubtedly the tender, creamy black-eyed peas infused with smoky notes and aromatic vegetables, creating a truly comforting and wholesome meal that feels like a warm hug. Making this at home saves you a significant amount compared to buying pre-made versions, while offering superior taste and quality.
What makes this dish truly special are those flavorful additions like the smoked ham hock (or sausage) and the bright finish of apple cider vinegar, which elevates it beyond a simple legume dish. It’s far more flavorful and satisfying than canned black-eyed peas, offering a rustic charm similar to a hearty lentil soup but with its own unique Southern flair. Don’t just take my word for it—whip up a batch of these Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas yourself and discover your new favorite comfort food!
What to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas With
This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it perfect for anything from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive gathering. For a classic Southern meal, serve your Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas with a side of warm, buttery cornbread or fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious broth.
For a lighter, fresher contrast, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette would be an excellent choice. If you’re looking to round out the meal with more vegetables, sautéed collard greens or steamed green beans offer a lovely balance. For drinks, a tall glass of sweet iced tea or even a light, crisp lager would complement the flavors beautifully.
Top Tips for Perfecting Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
For the most flavorful Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas, don’t skimp on the aromatics; cook them quickly in a pan with a tablespoon of oil before adding them to the slow cooker, as this helps to deepen their flavor profile. While optional, a smoked ham hock or diced smoked sausage adds an unparalleled depth of smoky richness; if you’re vegetarian, opt for smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke for a similar effect. Always rinse your dried peas meticulously to remove any debris and check for small stones to avoid unpleasant surprises.
To achieve a perfectly creamy texture, a tip is to mash about a quarter cup of the cooked peas against the side of the pot with a spoon or fork just before serving; this naturally thickens the liquid without needing a roux. Don’t forget that final touch of apple cider vinegar – it’s a secret weapon that brightens all the flavors and provides a much-needed acidic balance, making the dish truly sing. If your peas are still a bit firm after the recommended cooking time, simply continue cooking them until they reach your desired tenderness, as cooking times can vary based on the age of the dried peas.
Storing and Reheating Tips
These Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas are fantastic as leftovers! Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through. You might want to add a splash of broth or water if the peas have thickened too much during refrigeration.
For longer storage, black-eyed peas freeze beautifully. Cool the completely cooked peas, then transfer them to freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving about an inch of headspace if using rigid containers. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer to the refrigerator overnight, then reheat as described above. They make for a convenient, ready-to-eat meal on busy days!
Final Thoughts
This Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas recipe is a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something extraordinary with minimal effort. It delivers a deeply comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Give this hassle-free recipe a try; you’ll be delighted by its warmth and deliciousness!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas FAQs
Q1: Do I need to soak the black-eyed peas before cooking them in the slow cooker?
A1: No, for this Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas recipe, soaking is not necessary. The long cooking time in the slow cooker will tenderize the peas perfectly. Just rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the pot.
Q2: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
A2: Absolutely! To make Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas vegetarian or vegan, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and omit the ham hock or smoked sausage. You can enhance the smoky flavor with extra smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
Q3: How can I thicken the black-eyed peas if they are too watery?
A3: If your Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas are too watery, you can mash about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the cooked peas against the side of the pot with a spoon or potato masher. This will release some starch and naturally thicken the liquid. Alternatively, you can uncover the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
Q4: Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
A4: Yes, feel free to customize your Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas with other vegetables! Spinach, kale (added during the last 30 minutes), bell peppers, or even a small diced sweet potato would be delicious additions.
Q5: What’s the purpose of the apple cider vinegar at the end?
A5: Adding apple cider vinegar at the end of cooking your Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas is a common chef’s trick. It brightens the overall flavor profile, adding a tangy contrast that cuts through the richness and makes all the other ingredients pop. Don’t skip it if you want the best possible flavor!
Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse the dried black-eyed peas thoroughly under cold water and pick out any small stones or debris. Soaking is not required for this slow cooker method, as they will soften beautifully during the long cook time.
- In the basin of your 6-quart or larger slow cooker, combine the rinsed black-eyed peas, chicken broth, chopped onion, chopped celery, chopped carrot, minced garlic, diced tomatoes (with their liquid), dried thyme, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). If you’re using a ham hock or smoked sausage, add it to the slow cooker now.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper at this stage. Remember that smoked meats (if using) and broth can be salty, so it’s best to adjust seasoning towards the end of the cooking process.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the black-eyed peas are tender and easily mashable against the side of the pot. The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and the age of your peas.
- If you used a ham hock, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. Once cool enough to handle, shred any meat from the bone and discard the bone and any excess fat. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker.
- Taste the black-eyed peas and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If you desire a slightly thicker consistency, you can mash a small portion of the peas against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon.
- Stir in the apple cider vinegar if using – it brightens the flavors beautifully. Ladle the Easy Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions, if desired, before serving.