Southern Black-Eyed Peas and Cauliflower Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What does baking soda do to black-eyed peas? ›

Bottom Line. If beans make you uncomfortably gassy, sprinkle a little baking soda into their soaking water. It will reduce the volume of gas produced by the legumes, plus, they will cook quicker. If you're even shorter on time, you may want to try some of our favorite recipes to make with a can of black beans.

Often referred to as hoppin' john, black-eyed peas and collard greens are commonly eaten as part of a Southern tradition to bring forth good luck and prosperity in the new year. As a kid, I wasn't really a fan, especially not with their little eyes staring back at me.

The black-eyed pea is a variety of the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), which is a member of the legume, pea, or bean family. Besides the popular name "black-eyed pea," it is also known as "goat pea" and "southern pea," and the most common commercial variety in the United States is called the California Blackeye.

The black-eyed pea, which is also known as a cowpea, doesn't necessarily need to be soaked. But if you find yourself short on time, soaking black-eyed peas can make a true difference in regards to cooking time.

We did several tests, but our favorite method was to use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda per pound of old beans and to soak the beans for 4 hours. After the soaking stage, we rinsed the beans and added 1/4 teaspoon of fresh baking soda per cup of beans.

Today, the tradition of eating black-eyed peas for the New Year has evolved, as many traditions do, into a number of variations – but most hold the theme of luck and prosperity that harkens back to the Civil War days when people felt lucky to have black-eyed peas to eat and help them survive the cold, harsh winter ...

Black eyed peas, also known as cowpeas, black-eyed beans, or goat peas, are a bean grown throughout the world. Records show that the bean was brought to the West Indies by enslaved West Africans as early as 1674.

Black-eyed peas are highly nutritious and associated with many impressive health benefits. In particular, they may help support weight loss, improve heart health, and promote digestive health. They're also versatile, delicious, and easy to incorporate into a number of recipes as part of a healthy diet.

Some say an old, hobbled man called hoppin' John became known for selling peas and rice on the streets of Charleston. Others say slave children hopped around the table in eager anticipation of the dish. Most food historians think the name derives from a French term for dried peas, “pois pigeons.”

What's the difference between Hoppin John and black-eyed peas? ›

What's the difference between Hoppin' John and black-eyed peas? Hoppin' John has black-eyed peas in it, but it also has other ingredients. In this recipe, the black-eyed peas are stewed with onion, garlic, celery, and a ham hock, similar to how some Southern-style black-eyed peas would be cooked.

Dogs can eat black-eyed peas as an occasional treat. Pet owners can offer black-eyed peas as a healthy snack or mix the beans into homemade dog food. Like many other beans, black-eyed peas are high in protein, fiber, and vitamins while low in calories and cholesterol.

Drain them the next day and bring them to a boil in cold water, then reduce the heat so the water barely simmers: dried black-eyed peas can overcook, and a rolling boil could cause them to break apart. Taste the peas often to check their doneness: They should be creamy but retain their shape.

Place beans in a large pot and cover them with 4 inches of chicken stock. Simmer, covered, for about 1 hour. Start checking after 45 minutes to see if they are tender and add more broth or water as necessary to keep them covered. Add in a ham bone if you have one for even more flavorful black-eyed peas.

Canned black-eyed peas are best in recipes that don't require slow cooking or a long cook time, which can make them mushy. If you're using canned black-eyed peas, simply rinse them in a colander to remove any liquid from the can as well as excess salt. Then you're good to go!

A teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda can be added to the peas whilst soaking or cooking (to speed up the softening process), but you can still achieve that perfect creamy texture with nothing but water - unless your water is especially hard.

The addition of baking soda to soaking water decreases bean-cooking time by about three quarters. Just as acid slows the breakdown of cell walls, bases such as baking soda accelerate it. Just a pinch will do: Too much can spoil the taste of your beans or cause them to go mushy.

There is evidence that adding baking soda reduces some nutrients, particularly vitamin B. Baking soda also can make the beans taste saltier or even soapy, so they should be rinsed very well if you use it. Adding baking soda also may affect the texture, making the cooked beans mushy instead of tender.

Either technique is known to expedite the bean-cooking process, so it's practically a no-brainer to use baking soda in your next batch of beans. But before you pick up the measuring spoons, pause for a moment. A little bit of baking soda goes a long way, but if you use too much, it can ruin the taste of your beans.