Slow Cooker Spicy Black-Eyed Peas: A Flavorful & Easy Recipe
Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cuisine, often associated with good luck and prosperity, especially when enjoyed on New Year’s Day. But these humble legumes are delicious and nutritious year-round! This recipe takes the classic black-eyed peas and kicks them up a notch with a medley of spices and slow-cooking magic. The result? A deeply flavorful, tender, and slightly spicy dish that’s perfect as a side, a vegetarian main course, or even a filling for tacos and burritos.
This slow cooker version is incredibly easy. No pre-soaking is required (although it’s an option if you prefer). Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! The slow cooker works its magic, infusing the peas with incredible flavor and creating a creamy, comforting texture. Get ready for a taste explosion that will leave you wanting more!
## Why You’ll Love This Recipe
* **Effortless:** The slow cooker does all the work. Just dump, set, and forget!
* **Flavorful:** A blend of spices and savory ingredients creates a complex and satisfying taste.
* **Versatile:** Serve as a side, main course, or ingredient in other dishes.
* **Healthy:** Black-eyed peas are packed with fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Perfect for meal prepping or batch cooking.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
* **Dried Black-Eyed Peas:** The star of the show! You can use dried or frozen, but this recipe is specifically designed for dried peas. If using frozen, reduce the cooking time significantly.
* **Onion:** Adds a savory base flavor.
* **Bell Pepper:** Contributes sweetness and color. I prefer using a red or orange bell pepper for a touch of sweetness, but green works too.
* **Garlic:** Essential for that pungent, aromatic flavor.
* **Jalapeño:** For a spicy kick! Adjust the amount to your preference or omit it entirely if you’re sensitive to heat. Remember to remove the seeds and membranes for less heat.
* **Chicken Broth (or Vegetable Broth):** Provides liquid and adds depth of flavor. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian/vegan version.
* **Diced Tomatoes:** Adds acidity and sweetness.
* **Tomato Paste:** Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds richness.
* **Smoked Paprika:** Contributes a smoky, savory flavor that complements the peas perfectly. If you only have regular paprika, you can use it, but the smoked paprika really elevates the dish.
* **Chili Powder:** Adds a blend of spices and a mild heat.
* **Cumin:** Provides an earthy, warm flavor.
* **Dried Oregano:** Adds a touch of herbaceousness.
* **Cayenne Pepper (optional):** For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Olive Oil (or other cooking oil):** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **Bay Leaf:** Adds a subtle, aromatic flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot):** A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
* **Large Skillet or Pot:** For sautéing the vegetables.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping the vegetables.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For accurate measurements.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create delicious slow cooker spicy black-eyed peas:
**Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables**
* Dice the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using). Mince the garlic.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
* Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
* Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
* Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
**Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**
* Add the dried black-eyed peas (rinsed if desired), sautéed vegetables, chicken broth (or vegetable broth), diced tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (optional), salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
**Step 4: Cook the Black-Eyed Peas**
* Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker. The peas should be tender and creamy.
**Step 5: Check for Doneness and Adjust Seasoning**
* After the cooking time is complete, check the black-eyed peas for doneness. They should be easily mashed with a fork.
* Remove the bay leaf.
* Taste the black-eyed peas and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to taste.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**
* Serve the slow cooker spicy black-eyed peas hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, green onions, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a non-vegan option), or a drizzle of hot sauce.
## Tips and Variations
* **No Pre-Soaking Required (Optional Pre-Soaking):** This recipe is designed for dried black-eyed peas without pre-soaking. However, if you prefer to pre-soak your peas, you can soak them in water for 4-6 hours or overnight. Drain the soaking water before adding the peas to the slow cooker. Pre-soaking may reduce the cooking time by an hour or two.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** Control the heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño. For a spicier flavor, add more cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
* **Add Smoked Meat:** For a richer, smokier flavor, add chopped smoked ham, bacon, or sausage to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Cook the smoked meat slightly before adding it to the slow cooker to render some of the fat.
* **Use Different Beans:** While this recipe is specifically for black-eyed peas, you can experiment with other types of beans, such as kidney beans, pinto beans, or great northern beans. Keep in mind that different beans may require different cooking times.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the slow cooker, such as carrots, celery, or corn. Add them along with the other vegetables in Step 3.
* **Make it Vegan:** To make this recipe vegan, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omit any animal-based toppings.
* **Thicken the Sauce:** If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by mashing some of the black-eyed peas with a fork or spoon. You can also mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Add Greens:** Stir in some chopped collard greens, kale, or spinach during the last hour of cooking for added nutrition and flavor.
* **Canned Black-Eyed Peas:** While this recipe is designed for dried black-eyed peas, you *can* use canned in a pinch. If using canned, reduce the cooking time to 1-2 hours on low, just to heat everything through and allow the flavors to meld. Drain and rinse the canned peas before adding them to the slow cooker. Be aware the flavor will be different and the texture much softer.
## Serving Suggestions
* **Side Dish:** Serve as a delicious and hearty side dish with grilled meats, poultry, or fish.
* **Main Course:** Enjoy as a vegetarian main course with a side of cornbread or a salad.
* **Taco Filling:** Use the black-eyed peas as a flavorful and protein-rich filling for tacos or burritos.
* **Soup Topping:** Top your favorite soup with a spoonful of spicy black-eyed peas for added flavor and texture.
* **With Rice:** Serve over rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
## Storage and Reheating Instructions
* **Storage:** Store leftover slow cooker spicy black-eyed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the black-eyed peas in a saucepan over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent them from drying out.
* **Freezing:** You can also freeze the black-eyed peas for longer storage. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
## Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
*Calories: 250-350 (depending on added ingredients)*
*Protein: 15-20 grams*
*Fiber: 10-15 grams*
**Disclaimer:** Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
## Slow Cooker Spicy Black-Eyed Peas Recipe Card
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed (optional)
* 1 medium onion, diced
* 1 bell pepper (red, orange, or green), diced
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
* 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
* 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
* 2 tablespoons tomato paste
* 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)
**Instructions:**
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and jalapeño (if using) and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
2. Add the dried black-eyed peas (rinsed if desired), sautéed vegetables, chicken broth (or vegetable broth), diced tomatoes, tomato paste, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (optional), salt, pepper, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
3. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker. The peas should be tender and creamy.
5. After the cooking time is complete, check the black-eyed peas for doneness. They should be easily mashed with a fork. Remove the bay leaf.
6. Taste the black-eyed peas and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and enjoy! Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped cilantro, green onions, sour cream or Greek yogurt (for a non-vegan option), or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Enjoy this flavorful and easy slow cooker spicy black-eyed peas recipe! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to enjoy this Southern classic.