Canned Black Eyed Peas Recipe

Black-eyed peas are an exceedingly nutritious source of potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber, and much more. However, they do take a good chunk of time to cook and fully prepare as a meal, and not everyone has the time to come home and prepare the peas after a long day of work. Thankfully canned black-eyed peas are an option. Now, I know what you’re thinking, canned black-eyed peas are drenched in sodium. And that’s true, but there are ways around that excessive sodium count that will still provide you with enriched nourishment while having a quick meal. After all, canned peas = precooked = great for instant meals!

Shopping for Canned Black-Eyed Peas

It’s expected that when shopping for canned goods, buyers check the price and grab what’s cheapest or most applicable to the recipe they have in mind. But the truth is, there’s more to it than just the price, for example, package sizes. Many have a pretty big idea when looking at can sizes: the more giant cans contain more than the smaller ones. However, that’s not true at all. The size of the can depends on where it’s from, the brand producing it, and when it was harvested and prepared. The price of a can is based on the weight of the contents inside. This means that a more giant and more miniature can could have the same amount but be placed in a bigger can due to pea size or the amount of the liquid the peas are submerged in.

Pricing

Canned black-eyed peas are simple, and like any other canned, non-perishable food, they’re inexpensive. Based on where you live, chances are a can of black-eyed peas will range anywhere from $0.79 to about $2.49. That’s pretty affordable! But believe it or not, sales still run on these products just like any other product. The best times to check out a deal on canned black-eyed peas are between the late summer to mid-fall times.

Storing

Let’s say you purchased a can of black-eyed peas but changed your mind about using them at that time. Because they’re in a can, storing is easy. However, you may have noticed these cans have a best-by-date label. We’ve been told that if products are not consumed or used by that date, they are no longer edible. As much as we’ve all believed that to be true all our lives, it’s different with canned goods. The date on the can usually interprets that the peas will be good for a year or two if unopened. However, if stored properly, the peas can indeed last anywhere from a few years to decades! To keep these cans properly, they need to endure undamaged and consistently remain in a location that never exceeds 70°F.

Cooking With Canned Black-Eyed Peas

Cooking canned black-eyed peas is a relatively simple process. As simple as it is, there are two ways you cook go about preparing these peas.

1. Cooking in the microwave: Simply pour the black-eyed peas into a microwave-safe bowl with a little bit of water. You can add butter and spices if now or even after if you prefer. Cook the peas for about 10 minutes.
2. Cooking on the stove: For this method, all you need to do is pour the black-eyed peas into a pot with a bit of water. Cover the pot and let the peas simmer for about 15 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally.

As mentioned earlier, canned black-eyed peas tend to be very high in sodium, and many consumers dislike this part and often turn away from using the canned peas.

      Breakdown of sodium intake:

One 15 ounces can provide about four servings.

One single serving is ½ cup

Each ½ cup is equal to 500 milligrams of sodium

There are low sodium alternatives to this product for those who are not a fan of the excessive sodium count in the canned black-eyed peas. Nevertheless, rinsing the canned peas in cold water for a minute is a great way to lower the amount of sodium at home.

Are Black-Eyed Peas Beans?

Have you ever noticed the appearance of a black-eyed pea compared to a green pea? They look significantly different. But due to the word “peas” loosely added to the name of this product, many believe they are indeed peas. Black-eyed peas look like beans rather than peas, which has caused many to question, are black-eyed peas beans?

The short answer is yes: they are beans, and they’re legumes! A legume is a plant pod we use for food. Thus, meaning peas and beans are legumes because they both have pods and seeds that w can eat. Black-eyed peas are also known as “goat peas,” “southern peas,” and “cowpeas.”

Read more:

• How to Make Refried Black Beans
• How to Cook Black Eyed Peas

Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon & Pork

Details

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cook time: 2 hours

Serves: About 6 people

Ingredients

• 3 cans black-eyed peas
• 4 cups stock (chicken or beef)
• Sliced bacon
• 1 cup pork roast or tenderloin
• 2 tablespoons oil (any kind)
• 1 onion, chopped
• Garlic, chopped or minced
• Pinch of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne or paprika
• 2 cups water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat oil at a medium-high temperature, then add pork and sear it.
2. Add the bacon, onion, both types of garlic, and stir. Let it cook for a few minutes.
3. Pour in the stock, water, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil and let it simmer on low heat for 30 minutes.
4. The pork should be starting to fall apart. Using two forks, pull apart the rest. Drain the cans of black-eyed peas and add them to the pot.
5. Let simmer for an hour and enjoy!

Optional tips

• Top with shredded cheese or parmesan cheese when serving.

Conclusion

Canned black-eyed peas are easy to prepare. They are a good ingredient for almost any recipe. So, be creative and enjoy your cooking!