If you want a comforting and healthy dish, try this Ina Garten Black Eyed Peas Recipe. Black-eyed peas are soft, creamy, and full of flavor. This recipe is perfect for a cozy family meal. It uses simple ingredients you probably have at home.
The combination of herbs, garlic, and a touch of smoky flavor makes it irresistible. Today, we will show you how to make Ina Garten Black Eyed Peas step by step. You will love this easy, hearty dish.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret to this dish is slow cooking. Black-eyed peas need gentle heat to become tender and creamy. Using fresh herbs like thyme and bay leaf adds depth. Garlic and onions provide a rich aroma.
Some recipes use ham or bacon, but this one keeps flavors simple and fresh. A little olive oil enhances texture and taste. Stirring occasionally prevents sticking. The key is patience: low and slow gives the best results. The peas soak up all flavors for a perfectly balanced dish.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Black Eyed Peas
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Course: Side Dish or Main Dish
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Calories: 220 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large saucepan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Bowl for soaking (optional)
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Black Eyed Peas
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 2 slices smoked ham or ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for extra flavor
Instructions
- Optional Soak
Rinse peas and soak them in water for 4–6 hours. This reduces cooking time and improves texture. - Heat Olive Oil
In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrot, and celery. Cook until soft. - Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, but do not brown it to avoid bitterness. - Add Black-Eyed Peas
Drain soaked peas and add to the saucepan. Stir to combine with vegetables and oil. - Add Broth and Herbs
Pour in chicken or vegetable broth. Add bay leaf and thyme. Stir gently to mix. - Season
Add salt and black pepper. If using smoked ham or paprika, add now for extra flavor. - Simmer Slowly
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40–50 minutes. Stir occasionally. - Check Texture
Taste peas for doneness. They should be soft but not mushy. Add more broth if needed. - Adjust Seasoning
Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Stir well to combine flavors. - Serve Warm
Serve in a bowl as a side dish or over rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use fresh herbs for brighter flavor; dried herbs work too.
- Add smoked sausage or ham for a more robust, southern-style dish.
- Cook peas unsoaked if you have time; increase cooking time to 1–1.5 hours.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and taste.
- Serve over rice or quinoa to make it a filling main dish.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 12 g |
| Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 34 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with cornbread, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. It also complements grilled meats like chicken or pork. Serve as a side at holiday dinners or as a warm vegetarian main. Adding a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth. Avoid microwaving for long periods to prevent peas from becoming mushy. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
FAQs about Ina Garten Black Eyed Peas
1. Can I use canned black-eyed peas?
Yes, drain and rinse them first. Reduce cooking time to 10–15 minutes since they are already tender.
2. How do I make this dish vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken and skip any smoked meat. The herbs and garlic give plenty of flavor.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, cook the peas and store in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
4. How do I prevent peas from being mushy?
Simmer gently over low heat and check frequently. Avoid overcooking and stirring too vigorously.
5. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, zucchini, or chopped tomatoes work well. Add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
This Ina Garten Black Eyed Peas Recipe is easy, healthy, and full of comforting flavor. You now know how to make Ina Garten Black Eyed Peas step by step. With simple ingredients and gentle cooking, you can create a dish everyone will enjoy.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or holiday sides, this recipe is versatile and satisfying. Try it today and enjoy tender, flavorful black-eyed peas that are rich, hearty, and wholesome.
Ina Garten Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas rinsed and sorted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 carrot chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2 slices smoked ham or ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for extra flavor
Instructions
Optional Soak
- Rinse peas and soak them in water for 4–6 hours. This reduces cooking time and improves texture.
Heat Olive Oil
- In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrot, and celery. Cook until soft.
Add Garlic
- Stir in minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, but do not brown it to avoid bitterness.
Add Black-Eyed Peas
- Drain soaked peas and add to the saucepan. Stir to combine with vegetables and oil.
Add Broth and Herbs
- Pour in chicken or vegetable broth. Add bay leaf and thyme. Stir gently to mix.
Season
- Add salt and black pepper. If using smoked ham or paprika, add now for extra flavor.
Simmer Slowly
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 40–50 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Check Texture
- Taste peas for doneness. They should be soft but not mushy. Add more broth if needed.
Adjust Seasoning
- Remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Stir well to combine flavors.
Serve Warm
- Serve in a bowl as a side dish or over rice for a hearty meal. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for brighter flavor; dried herbs work too.
- Add smoked sausage or ham for a more robust, southern-style dish.
- Cook peas unsoaked if you have time; increase cooking time to 1–1.5 hours.
- Stir in chopped tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and taste.
- Serve over rice or quinoa to make it a filling main dish.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.