Black-eyed peas are small beans that have many health benefits. These legumes are not only versatile and simple to cook, but they are also chock-full of nutrients. The U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that a single serving of black-eyed peas, which fall into the vegetable food group, offers over 15 percent of the daily recommended amount of fiber. Low in both sodium and fat, they even offer significant amounts of calcium and protein. Add a frozen bag of these good luck charms to a slow cooker for a nutritious, hassle-free side dish.
Step 1
Pour the frozen black-eyed peas into a slow cooker. Add five to six cups of water, or enough so that there are two inches of excess water over the peas. Add two cubes of chicken or beef bouillon.
Step 2
Prepare vegetables of your choice. Onion, garlic, jalapenos and bell peppers are common black-eyed pea accompaniments. Finely dice or mince the vegetables and pour them into the slow cooker.
Step 3
Sprinkle in seasonings. If you prefer to keep it simple, add just a dash of salt and pepper. For a flavorful kick, stir in cumin or cayenne pepper.
Step 4
Stir the ingredients until well combined. Cover the slow cooker and simmer on low for approximately three hours.
Step 5
Cook four to five pieces of bacon in a skillet on the stove until crispy. Pork bacon with drippings will add plenty of flavor to the dish, though for nutritional reasons, you may want to use turkey bacon instead because it contains less fat.
Step 6
Uncover the slow cooker. Crumble the bacon into small bits and add it to the peas. Stir the entire dish well. Return the cover. Cook for an additional three hours.
Tips and Warnings
- Black-eyed peas are popular ingredients in hearty southern cuisine as well as vegan diets. To create a vegan dish, substitute one cup of water and the bouillon with a can of diced tomatoes. Add extra vegetables, such as chopped carrots or celery, and elicit flavor from dry herbs rather than bacon.
Things You'll Need
- Water
- Frozen black-eyed peas
- Chicken or beef bouillon
- Diced vegetables
- Dry seasonings
- Bacon
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