If you’re searching for a dish that perfectly marries smoky Southern charm with hearty, comforting goodness, then you’ve come to the right place! Our BBQ black eyed peas recipe is a game-changer, transforming humble black eyed peas into a flavor-packed sensation that will have your taste buds dancing. This isn’t just another side dish; it’s a star in its own right, offering a delightful blend of tender peas, savory spices, and that unmistakable BBQ tang. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy this Southern staple – it’s a recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to devour!
Key Ingredients for BBQ Black Eyed Peas
To embark on this culinary adventure, gather these essential ingredients. Quality components are key to unlocking the full potential of our BBQ black eyed peas!
- 2 cups dried black eyed peas, rinsed thoroughly and picked over for any debris
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth, for a rich base (adjust based on desired consistency)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, cored, seeded, and finely diced
- 1 green bell pepper, cored, seeded, and finely diced
- 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce, (we recommend a smoky, tangy variety)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, for a touch of bright acidity
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, for umami depth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar, packed, to balance the tang
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, for extra smoky flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick), or adjust to taste
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish (optional)
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon (optional, for even more smoky flavor), cooked crispy and crumbled
How to Make BBQ Black Eyed Peas
This BBQ black eyed peas recipe promises an easy, delicious, and deeply satisfying experience, transforming simple ingredients into a flavorful masterpiece. With its rich, smoky sauce and tender black eyed peas, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, ready in just under an hour of active cooking time, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Black Eyed Peas: Place the rinsed black eyed peas in a large bowl and cover with at least two inches of cold water. Let them soak overnight (8-12 hours) or use the quick soak method: bring peas and water to a boil, boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse thoroughly.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. If using bacon, cook it in the pot until crispy, then remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, reserving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat (if desired, in place of olive oil). Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Combine with Black Eyed Peas and Liquids: Add the soaked and drained black eyed peas to the pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring the peas are fully submerged. Stir in the BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
- Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45-60 minutes, or until the black eyed peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The cooking time may vary depending on the freshness of your peas and whether they were soaked.
- Season and Finish: Once the peas are tender and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, remove from heat. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If using, stir in the crumbled bacon.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the BBQ black eyed peas into serving bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the water, yeast and sugar in a bowl. Rest for 5 minutes.1 cup water, 1 tsp instant yeast, 1 tsp sugar
- Combine the flour and salt.2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp salt
- Add the yeast mixture and knead until you get a soft ball.
- Place in a bowl and cover. Let rise for 30 minutes.
- Divide the dough and form pizzas.
- Top the pizzas with sauce and vegetables, cook for 15 minutes on the pizza stone.red sauce, 1/4 red onion, 1/4 green pepper, 1/4 red pepper, rosemary
Notes
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Black Eyed Peas
You’ll absolutely adore this BBQ black eyed peas recipe because its main highlight is the incredible depth of flavor achieved through the perfect blend of smoky BBQ sauce, savory aromatics, and tender peas. It’s a dish that truly captures the essence of comforting Southern cuisine with a delicious twist. Beyond its amazing taste, making these BBQ black eyed peas at home is incredibly cost-effective, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-tasting meal without the hefty restaurant price tag, making it a smart choice for any budget-conscious cook.
The true magic lies in the flavorful toppings and ingredients like the optional crispy bacon, fresh cilantro, or even a dollop of sour cream (for extra creaminess!) that elevate this dish from great to unforgettable. If you love the hearty nature of our Slow Cooker Pinto Beans, you’ll find a similar satisfying warmth here, but with a unique sweet and smoky kick. Don’t wait – try making these delightful BBQ black eyed peas tonight and discover a new family favorite that’s both healthy and incredibly satisfying!
What to Serve BBQ Black Eyed Peas With
These versatile BBQ black eyed peas can hold their own as a main dish, but they also make an excellent side. Here are some complementary dishes that pair beautifully:
- Cornbread: A classic Southern pairing, cornbread is perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce.
- Collard Greens: Another quintessential Southern side, collard greens add a touch of bitterness that balances the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.
- Smoked Meats: Think pulled pork, brisket, or smoked chicken. The smoky flavors of the meat will perfectly complement the peas.
- Grilled Sausage: A simple grilled sausage or kielbasa makes for a quick and satisfying meal alongside these peas.
- Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to make it a more substantial meal.
- Coleslaw: A fresh, tangy coleslaw offers a nice textural and flavor contrast.
- A Simple Green Salad: For a lighter accompaniment, a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing works wonders.
Top Tips for Perfecting BBQ Black Eyed Peas
Achieving truly fantastic BBQ black eyed peas is within your reach with these expert tips:
- Don’t Skip the Soak (or Quick Soak): Soaking the black eyed peas significantly reduces cooking time and helps them cook more evenly. If you forget to soak overnight, the quick soak method is a good alternative. Undersoaked peas will take much longer to become tender.
- Choose Your BBQ Sauce Wisely: The BBQ sauce is a star ingredient here, so pick one you genuinely love. A smoky, tangy-sweet sauce works best. Experiment with different brands and styles (e.g., Memphis, Kansas City, Carolina) to find your perfect match.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste the sauce throughout the cooking process. You might want more brown sugar for sweetness, more apple cider vinegar for tang, or an extra dash of hot sauce for heat. Black eyed peas can absorb a lot of salt, so season gradually, especially at the end.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Ensure there’s enough liquid for the peas to cook evenly. If they seem too dry during simmering, add a little more broth or water. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- For Extra Creaminess: A traditional Southern trick is to mash a small portion of the cooked peas against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon. This releases some starch and naturally thickens the sauce without needing any flour or cornstarch.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker stew-like consistency, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes, allowing some liquid to evaporate. If you prefer it saucier, you can add a bit more warm broth before serving.
- Garnish for Freshness: Fresh cilantro or chopped green onions not only adds color but also a burst of fresh flavor that brightens the entire dish upon serving.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating ensure your delicious BBQ black eyed peas remain just as satisfying days later.
- Refrigeration: Allow the BBQ black eyed peas to cool completely at room temperature (no longer than 2 hours) before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen and meld even more overnight, making them almost better the next day!
- Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, transfer the peas to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of headspace if using containers to allow for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: For best results, reheat leftovers in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or water if the peas seem too thick or dry, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave: For a quicker option, place a single serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly heated. Be careful not to overheat, which can dry out the peas.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – a comprehensive guide to crafting the most irresistible BBQ black eyed peas you’ve ever tasted! This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, bringing together the rich heritage of Southern comfort food with a smoky, tangy twist that’s universally appealing. Whether you’re looking for a hearty side, a flavorful vegetarian main, or simply craving something soul-satisfying, these peas deliver on all fronts. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and prepare to impress yourself and your loved ones with this truly exceptional dish. Don’t be shy – dive into the delicious world of BBQ black eyed peas and savor every single spoonful!
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