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This simple and flavorful dish of blackeyed peas cooked in a crockpot is perfect for a comforting meal that requires minimal effort. The slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen and the peas to become tender without much handson time, making it ideal for busy days or relaxed weekends.
This recipe has become a goto for me whenever I want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The first time I tried it, the house smelled incredible and it felt like a labor of love made easy by the crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried blackeyed peas: a classic legume treasured for its earthiness and protein content
- 6 cups vegetable broth: choose a good quality broth for a richer taste
- 1 onion, diced: provides sweetness and depth pick firm onions free of blemishes
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: adds savory pungency fresh garlic gives the best flavor
- 1 teaspoon salt: enhances all the flavors adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: offers mild heat and complexity
- 1 teaspoon paprika: brings smoky warmth prefer sweet or smoked Spanish paprika if available
- 2 bay leaves: infuse herbal notes that elevate the dish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: helps meld flavors and adds richness use extra virgin for better aroma
Instructions
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- Heat the olive oil briefly in a pan to soften the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant. This gentle cooking releases their sweetness and builds the flavor base essential to the dish before transferring to the crockpot.
- Rinse the Black Eyed Peas:
- Thoroughly rinse the dried blackeyed peas under cold running water to remove any dust or debris. This step ensures a clean finish and better texture after cooking.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot:
- Place the rinsed peas, sautéed onion and garlic, vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, paprika, and bay leaves in the crockpot. Stir gently to distribute all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Low and Slow:
- Cover the crockpot and cook on the low setting for six to eight hours. Slow cooking allows the peas to become creamy and infused with the spices without splitting or becoming mushy.
- Final Touches:
- Remove the bay leaves before serving to avoid overly bitter notes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary to suit your preference.
Paprika is my favorite ingredient here because it brings a subtle smokiness and beautiful color that transforms the dish from ordinary to special. I remember serving this to friends during a chilly autumn gathering and everyone was amazed how simple ingredients could taste so rich and soothing.
Storage Tips
Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers for up to four days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to loosen the texture.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you cannot find blackeyed peas try using dried navy beans or cannellini beans which have a similar creaminess. Vegetable broth can be replaced with water plus a bouillon cube for convenience. Use garlic powder in place of fresh garlic if necessary but the taste will be a bit less vibrant.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the blackeyed peas over steamed rice or alongside crusty French bread to soak up the flavorful broth. Adding a spoonful of crème fraîche or a drizzle of good olive oil on top just before serving can enrich the experience further.
Serve warm with rice or crusty bread for a comforting meal. Enjoy the smoky, nourishing flavors.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Comment préparer les pois noirs avant cuisson ?
Rincez les pois noirs à l'eau froide pour éliminer les impuretés avant de les placer dans le crockpot.
- → Quels épices sont utilisées dans ce plat ?
Le paprika, le sel, le poivre noir et les feuilles de laurier apportent des notes parfumées et légèrement épicées.
- → Peut-on substituer le bouillon de légumes ?
Oui, un bouillon maison ou un autre bouillon végétal peut parfaitement être utilisé.
- → Quelle est la durée optimale de cuisson ?
La cuisson lente de 6 à 8 heures à basse température permet une texture tendre et des saveurs développées.
- → Ce plat convient-il aux régimes végétaliens ?
Oui, il est entièrement végétalien en utilisant uniquement des ingrédients d’origine végétale.