Black Eyed Peas Recipe Slow Cooker Vegetarian Delight

Black-eyed peas are a beloved staple in Southern cooking, known for their earthy flavor and hearty texture. When prepared in a slow cooker, these little legumes transform into a comforting, nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

This slow cooker vegetarian black-eyed peas recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with wholesome ingredients that create a deliciously rich and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this recipe is a fantastic choice.

What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity and the ability to let flavors meld together over hours of slow cooking. With fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices, the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a warm, flavorful bowl of goodness.

Plus, it’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs. Ready to discover why this recipe will soon become your go-to comfort food?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker vegetarian black-eyed peas recipe offers numerous benefits that make it a standout choice for your meal rotation:

• Hands-off cooking: Simply add your ingredients to the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
• Nutritious and filling: Black-eyed peas are rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins.
• Flavorful: Aromatic spices and fresh veggies combine for a deeply satisfying taste.
• Versatile: Perfect as a main dish or a hearty side, adaptable with many variations.
• Diet-friendly: Vegan, gluten-free, and low-fat, catering to various dietary preferences.

Incorporating this recipe into your cooking routine means enjoying a comforting, wholesome meal without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Slow cooker (4 to 6-quart capacity recommended)
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Colander for rinsing black-eyed peas

Instructions

1. Prepare the black-eyed peas: Rinse the dried black-eyed peas thoroughly under cold water, removing any debris or damaged peas. No soaking is required for this recipe.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic, diced carrots, celery, and red bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to soften the vegetables and release their flavors.
3. Add to slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add the rinsed black-eyed peas, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), vegetable broth, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, black pepper, salt, and the bay leaf.
4. Cook: Stir all ingredients gently to combine. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The black-eyed peas should be tender but not mushy.
5. Check seasoning: About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, taste the peas and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your preference.
6. Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the black-eyed peas into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or rice.
7. Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra depth of flavor, try adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of liquid smoke during the last hour of cooking.”

• Add greens: Stir in chopped kale or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Make it smoky: Incorporate smoked paprika or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for smokiness.
• Use canned black-eyed peas: If short on time, substitute with 3 cans (15 oz each) of black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed; reduce cooking time to 2 hours on low.
• Protein boost: Add cubed tofu or tempeh for extra protein, especially if you want a more filling main course.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be added to enhance the herbal notes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This hearty black-eyed peas dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice for a complete meal.

For a Southern flair, pair it with cornbread crisps or alongside collard greens for a nutritious, balanced plate.

For a lighter option, serve it with a fresh green salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette. You can also top it with sliced avocado or a dollop of vegan sour cream to add creaminess.

Looking for more plant-based inspiration? Check out this Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe for another comforting slow cooker meal.

Conclusion

This slow cooker vegetarian black-eyed peas recipe is a fantastic addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Its simplicity, combined with rich, comforting flavors, makes it ideal for busy days when you want a nutritious meal with minimal effort.

Not only does it fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma, but it also provides a wholesome option that suits vegan, gluten-free, and health-conscious diets.

Slow cooking allows the black-eyed peas to absorb the aromatic spices and vegetables, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

If you enjoyed this, you might also love the creamy textures and indulgent flavors of the Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or the sweet finish of the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe. Happy cooking!

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