Black eyed peas are a staple in many kitchens, especially when it’s time to cook up something filling and satisfying.

This crock pot black eyed peas recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for those busy days when you want a meal to cook itself while you go about your day.

Packed with tender peas, savory spices, and the goodness of fresh garlic and onions, this dish becomes even better with the addition of turkey or beef sausage, making it a hearty option for anyone looking for a quick and satisfying meal.

Best of all, this recipe requires minimal prep time, leaving you with plenty of time to focus on other things while your slow cooker works its magic!

Black Eyed Peas Crock Pot Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound black-eyed peas
• 1 cup chicken, turkey, or beef sausage
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 3 cups water

Instructions

1. Start by rinsing the black-eyed peas in cold water. Then, let them soak in a bowl of water overnight to soften them up.
2. When you’re ready to cook, drain the peas and add them to the slow cooker. Add the sausage (cut into small pieces), onions, garlic, black pepper, salt, vegetable broth, and water. Stir everything well.
3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for about 8 hours or high for 6 hours. Stir occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly.
4. Serve warm with a side of rice or cornbread for a simple and delicious meal!

Why Are Black Eyed Peas Eaten On New Year’s Day?

Black-eyed peas have been a part of New Year’s Day traditions for centuries. Many people believe eating black-eyed peas on January 1st brings good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

This tradition is especially popular in the Southern United States, where it’s said that the peas represent coins or money. The idea is that eating them will help ensure wealth, good fortune, and happiness in the year ahead.

Key reasons why people eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day:

• Symbol of good luck: Black-eyed peas are believed to attract good fortune and blessings.
• Wealth and prosperity: The round shape of the peas is thought to resemble coins, symbolizing financial prosperity.
• Old traditions: This practice has been passed down through generations as a way to start the year with hope and positivity.

Eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is a simple but meaningful way to carry on these positive traditions and bring a bit of luck into the new year.

What To Serve With Black Eyed Peas?

Black-eyed peas go well with several classic sides. These dishes complement the flavor and round out your meal:

• Cornbread
• Collard greens
• Rice (white, brown, or flavored)
• Grilled chicken
• Roasted vegetables

How To Store Black Eyed Peas?

To make sure your black-eyed peas stay fresh for later, here’s how to store them properly:

• In the fridge: Allow your cooked peas to cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for 3 to 4 days.
• In the freezer: If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cooled peas in a freezer-safe container or bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

To reheat, simply microwave or warm them on the stovetop. Storing black-eyed peas this way ensures you can enjoy them again without losing flavor or texture.

How Much Water Should You Add To The Crockpot For Black Eyed Peas?

When cooking black-eyed peas in a crockpot, getting the right amount of water is key to making sure the peas cook evenly and are tender. The general rule of thumb is to add enough water or broth to cover the peas by about 1 to 2 inches.

Here’s a simple guide:

• For 1 pound of black-eyed peas: Add about 6 to 8 cups of water or broth.
• For a softer texture: Add a bit more liquid, up to 9 cups, to ensure the peas don’t dry out during cooking.
• For thicker consistency: Use closer to 6 cups, as less liquid will result in a thicker, stew-like texture.

Adding enough liquid ensures that your peas will cook properly without burning, and it helps develop the flavors as everything simmers together.

What Happens If You Don’t Pre-Soak Black-Eyed Peas?

While soaking black-eyed peas is a common step before cooking, you might wonder what happens if you skip this step. Here’s what you need to know:

• Longer cooking time: Without soaking, the peas will take longer to cook. You may need to increase the cooking time by 1 to 2 hours.
• Possible texture differences: Unsoaked peas may be a bit firmer and not as tender as soaked ones.
• Digestive issues: Soaking helps reduce compounds that can cause digestive discomfort. Without soaking, the peas may cause more gas or bloating for some people.

Soaking helps soften the peas, making them cook faster and more evenly, but if you don’t have time, you can still cook them. Just be prepared for a longer cook time and adjust the water accordingly to prevent them from drying out.

Why Won’t My Black Eyed Peas Soften?

If your black-eyed peas aren’t softening despite hours of cooking, there are a few reasons this might be happening. Understanding the cause can help you fix the issue for next time.

• Old beans: If the black-eyed peas are too old, they can be dry and hard, making it harder for them to soften even with a long cooking time. Beans older than a year often don’t soften as well as fresh ones.
• Hard water: Hard water contains minerals like calcium and magnesium, which can make it harder for the beans to soften. Using filtered water can help.
• Not enough liquid: If there isn’t enough water or broth to cover the peas, they may not cook properly. Ensure you add enough liquid (about 6 to 8 cups for 1 pound of peas) and stir occasionally.
• Acidic ingredients: Adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes, vinegar, or lemon early in the cooking process can toughen the peas. If you’re using these, wait until the peas are tender before adding them.

If your peas aren’t softening, check the age of your beans, use more liquid, and avoid adding acidic ingredients too early. This will give your black-eyed peas the best chance to cook properly.

Why Do Black Eyed Peas Get Mushy?

While you want your black-eyed peas to be tender, they can turn mushy if overcooked or cooked improperly. Here’s why this happens:

• Overcooking: If the peas cook for too long, they can break down too much and turn mushy. This is especially true if you’re using a slow cooker, where the beans continue to cook slowly over time. Check your peas regularly to ensure they don’t overcook.
• Too much water: Using too much liquid can cause the peas to absorb more water than needed, making them too soft and mushy. Use the right amount of liquid—about 6 to 8 cups for 1 pound of peas.
• Stirring too often: Stirring the peas too much while they cook can cause them to break apart, resulting in a mushy texture. Stir gently and occasionally to avoid this.