Kick off the New Year or any chilly day with this fuss-free Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas recipe. Toss everything in and let the magic happen. Pure comfort in a bowl!
I don’t know why it took me so long to figure out that Black Eyed Peas are totally yummy.
I originally put together this recipe this past summer for my Southern-themed birthday party, and it was a total hit. I used some cayenne and liquid smoke to give it a little kick!
I made it in the pressure cooker, which was delicious, but I thought that converting it to a slow cooker Black Eyed Peas recipe would make it even more user-friendly. And I know you want to know how to cook crock pot Black Eyed Peas. If you’re looking for a meatless version, check out my recipe for Vegan Black Eyed Peas!
Table of Contents
What are Black Eyed Peas?
Originating from West Africa, black-eyed peas are a staple ingredient in many cultures, especially in the Southern United States where they’re considered good luck and eaten on New Year’s Day.
Black-eyed peas are a type of legume that are part of the cowpea family. They are notable for their pale color with a distinct black spot on their curve, giving them the appearance of having an “eye.”
Reasons to Love These Peas
- These Black Eyed Peas in a slow cooker only require effortless cooking. Simply add ingredients and let them simmer all day without fuss.
- This side dish is a time-saver. Prep in the morning and come back to a ready-to-eat meal.
- Black Eyed peas are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Recipe Ingredients
- Cajun Hot Sauce: A splash of Cajun hot sauce introduces a spicy kick.
- Liquid Smoke Flavoring: Liquid smoke imparts a distinctive smoky taste that mimics slow-cooked barbecue.
- Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper offers a sharp, fiery spice that intensifies the dish’s heat.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Meat Alternative: For a heartier version of this slow cooker Black-Eyed Peas recipe, consider adding meats like diced ham, smoked sausage, chicken, smoked turkey, ham hock, or a ham bone. Brown the meat after cooking the bacon, then add it to the slow cooker for extra flavor and protein.
- Broth Variation: Instead of chicken broth, try vegetable broth and leave out the bacon for a vegetarian option, use beef broth for a richer flavor, or even a low-sodium broth to reduce salt intake without compromising taste.
How to Make Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas
Step #1: Boil the peas for 10 minutes in water and then strain out the water.
Step #2: Heat the olive oil in a large pan set over medium heat. Add the bacon, onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté for 10-12 minutes, until the bacon renders its fat. Transfer to the insert of a slow cooker.
Step #3: Add the peas, broth, tomatoes, oregano, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and liquid smoke to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 8 hours, until the peas are soft.
Expert Tips
- Render the Bacon Thoroughly: Ensure the bacon is well-rendered and crispy in the sautéing step. This enhances the smoky flavor and provides a better texture contrast in the dish.
- Deglaze the Pan: After sautéing the bacon and vegetables, deglaze the pan with a little broth to lift all the flavorful bits into the slow cooker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or spinach. Just chop them up and add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
This dish pairs wonderfully with sides that complement its rich flavors. Consider serving it with cornbread, steamed green vegetables like collard greens or kale, or a simple garden salad. For a heartier meal, serving it alongside rice or mashed potatoes is a great option.
Storage Info
Store the crockpot Black-Eyed peas in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay good for up to 5 days. To store, place them in your freezer and you can freeze them for up to 3 months.
To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then warm them in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave them in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally, until they are warm.
More Delicious Recipes That You’ll Love
Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas Recipe
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 pound thick-cut bacon - finely chopped
- 1 large yellow onion or white onion - chopped
- 1 green bell pepper - finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic - peeled and minced
- 2 cups dried black eyed peas
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 large tomatoes - chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Splash of Cajun hot sauce - Tabasco works just fine
- 1/2 teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
Instructions
- Boil the peas for 10 minutes in water and then strain out the water.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pan set over medium heat. Add the bacon, onion, bell pepper, and garlic; sauté for 10-12 minutes, until the bacon renders its fat. Transfer to the insert of a slow cooker.
- Add the peas, broth, tomatoes, oregano, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and liquid smoke to the slow cooker. Cook on high for 5 hours or on low for 8 hours, until the peas are soft.
NOTES
Nutrition
Can you substitute the bacon or another type of meat? Like chicken carcass or turkey
Hi, Verina! You could throw in a ham hock if you wanted to. If you’re trying to avoid pork, I’d say just leave the meat out and add a few extra dashes of Worcestershire sauce 🙂
Delicious! I didn’t have any cajun seasoning, but added a couple of splashes of chipotle Tabasco sauce and chunks of chicken. Just used water, not even broth…. Yum. 🙂
Nice! I love tabasco, too 🙂
Would frozen peas be ok? My grocery store didn’t have dried 🙁
Hi, Andrea! I’ve never tried it with frozen black eyed peas, but I would imagine since they would be pre-cooked you wouldn’t need to cook them as long or add as much liquid. I’d try thawing the peas, draining them, then adding them to the slow cooker as directed with just a small amount of the cooking liquid. Experiment a bit and let me know how it turns out!
Do you add the bacon fat to the pot? What kind of cajun
seasoning?
Hi Valerie – yes, the bacon fat goes right into the crockpot along with the sautéed vegetables. I used a store bought Cajun seasoning, but you can also make your own if you prefer! Just google “Cajun seasoning recipe” 🙂
Do you need to soak the beans overnight? Thank
you!
Nope! No pre-soaking required 🙂
Wonderful! Even BETTER!
i have 8 cups of water how much peas do i add
Hello! You would need to double everything in the recipe. I wouldn’t recommend this, as it wouldn’t fit in a standard size slow cooker.
I have read that seeds such as beans contain enzymes, phytic acid, and other inhibitors which prevent germination until the seeds are soaked. These compounds are responsible for intestinal bloating and gas and other digestive havoc. Soaking beans 12-24 hours releases the inhibitors; then the beans should be rinsed well and cooked in fresh water. A small piece of kombu seaweed added to the pot will also help prevent intestinal gas. (It doesn’t flavor the beans.) NOURISHING TRADITIONS by Sally Falon gives a good explanation of this (and it’s a great read, too!).
That was my exact question. Thank you for asking and for the answer.