Best Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas

The Best Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas in 30 Mins is a delightful and comforting dish that brings a taste of the South straight to your kitchen. Easy to prepare and rich in flavor, these black-eyed peas are perfect for a weeknight meal or as a hearty side dish for special occasions. With creamy textures and bold flavors, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

Why Make This Best Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas in 30 Mins

Southern cooking is all about comfort and flavor, and this dish truly embodies both. Black-eyed peas are not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, making them an ideal choice for a nutritious meal. With just a handful of ingredients and a cooking time of only 30 minutes, you can whip up a soul-satisfying dish that will impress family and friends alike. Plus, the creamy texture and smoky paprika elevate the humble black-eyed pea to something extraordinary, perfect alongside cornbread or fried chicken.

How to Make Best Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas in 30 Mins

Making the Best Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas is a straightforward process. You’ll start by sautéing fresh vegetables in olive oil, then add the black-eyed peas and chicken broth. Finally, finish it off with a splash of heavy cream for richness and some spices to enhance the flavors. This recipe is all about layering flavors while keeping it simple and quick, making it perfect for busy cooks.

Ingredients:

• 2 (15 ounce) cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Stir in the drained and rinsed black-eyed peas and chicken broth.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
7. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
8. Serve hot.

Nutritional Information

Per serving, this recipe provides approximately:

• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 8g
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 10g

These figures may vary based on specific brands of ingredients used, but this delicious dish remains a hearty and nutritious choice.

How to Serve Best Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas in 30 Mins

Serve your creamy black-eyed peas in warm bowls, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional smoked paprika for that extra pop of color and flavor. They make an excellent side dish to fried chicken, pork chops, or cornbread. For a complete meal, consider serving them alongside a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables.

How to Store Best Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas in 30 Mins

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge. You can also freeze any extra portions for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish at a later date.

Expert Tips for Perfect Best Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas in 30 Mins

• Rinse Well: Always rinse canned black-eyed peas to remove excess sodium and improve their flavor.
• Add More Cream: For a richer sauce, consider increasing the amount of heavy cream, but keep in mind it will also increase the calorie count.
• Spice it Up: If you’re a fan of heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the dish.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth to make this recipe vegetarian-friendly.

Delicious Variations

• Herbed Twist: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary while the peas simmer for an aromatic boost.
• Bacon Bliss: For a smoky flavor, sauté chopped bacon along with the vegetables. Remove the bacon before serving if you prefer a healthier version.
• Creamy Vegan Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream to create a vegan-friendly version that still packs a creamy punch.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned? Yes, you can. Soak and cook dried black-eyed peas according to package instructions, then proceed with the recipe. This will add additional cooking time.
2. What can I serve with black-eyed peas? They pair wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or fried chicken for a fulfilling meal.
3. Can I make this dish in advance? Absolutely! You can prepare the black-eyed peas ahead of time and reheat them when you’re ready to serve. Just ensure they are stored correctly in the refrigerator.
4. How do I make this recipe gluten-free? The ingredients in this recipe are inherently gluten-free, but always check your broth and other pre-packaged items for any hidden gluten.
5. What can I use instead of chicken broth? Vegetable broth, water, or even beef broth can serve as substitutions, depending on your dietary preferences.
6. Is there a way to adjust the creaminess? If you prefer a lighter version, you could reduce the cream or replace it with half-and-half.
7. Can I use other beans? Yes, you can replace black-eyed peas with pinto beans or cannellini beans if desired.
8. How can I enhance the flavor? Adding spices like cumin or coriander can help deepen the flavor profile of the dish.
9. Are black-eyed peas healthy? Yes! They are high in protein and fiber, making them a nutritious choice for any meal.
10. Can I add vegetables to this dish? Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate diced tomatoes, spinach, or other veggies to increase nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

The Best Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas in 30 Mins is not just a recipe; it’s a comforting bowl of Southern charm that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and quick preparation time, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—your taste buds will thank you! We’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so please share your thoughts and variations in the comments below!

Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas

A delightful and comforting Southern dish featuring creamy black-eyed peas, perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 280

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 2 cans 15 ounce black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
• 1/4 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Method

 

Preparation

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
4. Stir in the drained and rinsed black-eyed peas and chicken broth.
5. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
7. Cook for another 5 minutes, or until the peas are heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
8. Serve hot.

Notes

Serve garnished with fresh parsley or additional smoked paprika. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.