Ina Garten’s Black-Eyed Peas recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines earthy legumes with fresh herbs and savory spices. Perfect as a side dish or a comforting main course, this recipe is both simple and delicious, offering a great way to enjoy this nutrient-packed legume.

What are Ina Garten Black-Eyed Peas?

Ina Garten’s Black-Eyed Peas are a savory and aromatic dish made with black-eyed peas simmered in a flavorful broth with onions, garlic, and herbs. This versatile recipe can be enjoyed on its own, served over rice, or paired with cornbread for a classic Southern meal.

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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Black-Eyed Peas

Nutritious and filling: High in fiber, protein, and essential nutrients.
Easy to prepare: Minimal ingredients and effort required.
Versatile: Works as a side dish or a main meal.
Customizable: Adjust seasonings and add ingredients to suit your taste.
Comforting and hearty: A perfect dish for cozy dinners.

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Black-Eyed Peas

Dried black-eyed peas: 1 pound (about 2 cups).
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons.
Onion: 1 large, diced.
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
Celery: 2 stalks, diced.
Carrot: 1 large, diced.
Chicken stock or vegetable broth: 4 cups.
Water: 2 cups.
Bay leaves: 2.
Fresh thyme: 2 sprigs, or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground.
Optional garnish: Chopped parsley or scallions.

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Black-Eyed Peas

Step 1: Soak the peas

Place the dried black-eyed peas in a large bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for 6–8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 5–7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the broth and herbs

Pour in the chicken stock and water. Stir in the bay leaves and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Cook the peas

Add the soaked black-eyed peas to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45–60 minutes, or until the peas are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally and add more water or broth if needed.

Step 5: Season and serve

Remove the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Season the peas with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley or scallions if desired. Serve warm as a side dish or over rice.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Black-Eyed Peas

Cornbread: A classic Southern pairing for a hearty meal.
Rice: Serve the peas over steamed white or brown rice.
Greens: Pair with sautéed collard greens or kale for a balanced plate.
Grilled meats: Complement pork chops, sausage, or chicken beautifully.

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Black-Eyed Peas

Don’t skip soaking: Soaking the peas reduces cooking time and improves texture.
Adjust liquid as needed: Add more broth or water if the peas start to dry out during cooking.
Season at the end: Adding salt too early can toughen the peas, so wait until they are fully cooked.
Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock for a plant-based dish.
Experiment with flavors: Add a smoked ham hock, bacon, or sausage for extra depth.

Creative Variations of Ina Garten’s Black-Eyed Peas

Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño for heat.
Tomato-based: Stir in a can of diced tomatoes for a richer broth.
Herbaceous twist: Add chopped fresh dill or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Creamy style: Mash a portion of the peas for a creamier texture.

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Black-Eyed Peas

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen if needed.

FAQs

Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried ones?

Yes, canned black-eyed peas can be used for convenience. Rinse and drain them before adding to the recipe, and reduce the cooking time since they are already cooked.

How do I make black-eyed peas more flavorful?

To enhance the flavor, add smoked meat like ham hocks, bacon, or sausage, along with fresh herbs and spices such as thyme, bay leaves, or cayenne pepper.

Can I make black-eyed peas vegetarian?

Yes, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock and skip any meat additions. You can boost flavor with extra herbs, garlic, and spices like smoked paprika.

How do I prevent black-eyed peas from becoming mushy?

To avoid mushiness, soak dried peas before cooking and simmer them gently instead of boiling. Check for doneness frequently and remove from heat as soon as they are tender.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Black-Eyed Peas are a comforting, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and packed with nutrition. Try it for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!

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