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
This was my first year successfully making black eyed peas to bring in the new year. My boyfriend absolutely loved it! This recipe was so easy to follow. Thank you for helping me find an easy recipe for this annual dish.
here i a recipe from a 72 year old x fairground labourer.. black peas should be cooked for 1+hrs along with medium ham shank according to the amount of peas. when finished remove from heat and remove shank for later. next add two or three pinches of ground mace and stir. of course add salt and vinager to taste. and eat of a plastic fork/spoon not metal. hope you enjoy. also peas can be bought in any amount from bryn corn suplies, bryn road ashton-in-makerfield, just off the A58
Thank you for sharing, Chris! I’ll have to give this a try 🙂
Really tasty, great recipe. I found my 17 yr old fishing around in the slow cooker with a cracker while it was cooking which was a good sign. Messy though – we had words.
I am in the UK so when a recipe is in cups I just guess quantities and flick it in with the wrist. But it worked a treat. Hurrah! That is how we talk.
Perfect!! I’m so glad you like it 🙂
So do you boil the peas in the stock and add the whole thing to the crock pot? Or strain the peas and then put them in with the rest of the ingredients?
Hi Steph,
Good question. You just boil the peas in water and then strain out the water and put them in with the rest of the ingredients, including the broth. I have updated the recipe to make it clear.
– Linda
I found this recipe via a link on Huffington post. I’ve made black eyed peas many times before and they were always good but uneventful. I made this recipe yesterday and the peas were so good! My daughter raved about how flavorful they were. This is my go-to recipe now.
Easy as you said. I made these yesterday and the smell was wonderful. Beans were not watery, but soft and thick. Great flavor. Added a few more peppers for heat. Very versatile recipe. So easy!
I’m so glad you like it, Kimber!