In case you’re unfamiliar, black-eyed peas are those white beans with a little black dot where it was attached to its pod while it grew. They’re versatile, delicious, and full of nutrients like fiber, iron, and protein. Plus, they’re supposed to bring you luck if you eat them on New Year’s Eve.
If you’ve only ever experienced black-eyed peas as an early 2000s band, then these tasty black-eyed peas recipes are your chance to expand your flavor horizons and try a new kind of bean.
1. Black-eyed pea chile verde
Chili has earned its place as the ultimate winter comfort food, so making it the first dish on our lucky bean list seemed like a no-brainer. But while everyone loves a classic, the usual ingredients can get a little redundant. That’s why we love this unexpected and delicious recipe that pairs the rich nuttiness of the black-eyed peas with the fresh (yet spicy) flavor of the green chilies.
Throw in some savory shredded pork and you’ve got yourself a hearty dish you’ll be making a part of your regular meal routine.
2. Smoky sweet potato black-eyed pea soup
Southern cuisine is delicious, and if you’re trying to cut down on sugar and saturated fat, this recipe gives you a great compromise on flavor and nutrients.
This vegan soup makes it easier with tons of plant-based protein and all kinds of nourishing veggies. With all that smoked paprika, there’s no sacrificing flavor, and you’d hardly know it was meat-free. Get ready to up the cozy factor because this is the meal you’ll want to eat while sitting by a fire, wrapped in a blanket, and wearing furry slippers.
3. Black-eyed pea hummus
Many people think hummus can only be made with chickpeas, but they’re wrong. Just put any kind of bean (in this case, black-eyed peas) and tahini in a food processor and, bam, hummus! It’s great for an easy snack or even a full meal if you pair it with some flatbread and veggie sticks.
4. Wild rice hoppin’ John
If you grew up in the South, you’re probably familiar with this one. Hoppin’ John is probably the most famous black-eyed pea dish that originated as a New Year’s Eve dish in the Low Country of South Carolina. The key ingredients are black-eyed peas, ham, and dark leafy greens, usually accompanied by cornbread or rice.
This version uses bacon and bell peppers to put a twist on the old classic.
5. Black-eyed pea and kale tacos with avocado jalapeño sauce
Look, we never say no to Taco Tuesday, especially when we can utilize new ingredients. The use of black-eyed peas as the main ingredient in this recipe is the perfect way to give your standard black beans a break and expand your taco flavor profile. You’ll get a nutrient boost from the kale, too.
Learn the steps to make it here.
6. Rainbow power greens salad with black-eyed peas
If nutrient-dense and balanced eating is one of your goals, this salad is a great place to start. It’s full of vitamin-rich greens, purple cabbage, and carrots, plus quinoa and black-eyed peas to keep you feeling full. Oh, and it’s really pretty and colorful for serving to guests.
7. Black-eyed pea chocolate chip blondies
Bet you didn’t think we were going to throw a dessert option into the mix! Making brownies with beans might sound strange, but the consistency of these beauties is actually amazing and surprisingly moist (sorry). And hey, beans are high in protein and fiber, so these brownies are a pretty smart swap.
