A Bean by Another Name.....

Black eyed peas!  Yep, they are actually a bean, not a pea.  They have also been called cowpeas.  They are a type of shelling bean.
I had someone ask the other day "what do they taste like".  I was kind of stumped - then I got to thinking about it.  The are rather firm in texture and the have a slightly nutty, earthy and savory taste.
They are really good for you.

Most people think they have to be eaten as is, and just avoid them.  They are so many way to fix them that are just down right tasty.
When I fix them as a side dish, I add ham seasoning and cook until done.  If using canned - they don't take long at all to cook.  If using dry beans - I treat them the same as any other dry bean.  I soak over night, then cook with seasoning the next day.

COWBOY CAVIER
1 can (15 oz.) drained black eyed peas
1 can (15 oz.) drained black beans
1 can (14 oz.) drained diced tomatoes
2 C corn kernels (recipe says frozen - I often use canned)
1/2 Medium onion diced
1/4 C finely copped green pepper
1/2 C chopped diced jalapeno
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1 C Italian  dressing
Mix this all together and refrigerate for at least a half hour before serving.
Use like you would salsa with chips or just eat in a bowl!

HOPPIN JOHN
1 1/2 C dry black eyed peas
1 lb. ham hock
1 onion chopped
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
4 C water
salt & pepper
1 1/2 C long grained rice
1 C shredded cheddar cheese

Place the peas and ham hock, onion, pepper and any salt and pepper in water.  Bring to a boil then reduce to medium heat and cook for 1 1/2 hours.  Remove hock and remove meat - place meat back in pot.  Stir in rice  - cover and cook until rice is tender.
Top with cheese when serving.
YUM
*You can substitute with what you have.  I have added ham seasoning to initial cook, then added ham pieces I have on hand.  You could also add tangy ground sausage, smoked sausage..... whatever you have.

Black eyed peas can be used to make vegetarian burgers along with black beans or alone.  They are great added to soups and gumbo as well.

 

I keep both canned and dry beans on hand.  They are always in my pantry!  Canned are great if you need them in a hurry and just don't feel like soaking or cooking for a long period.  I usually buy canned when I see them marked down.  This can has a markdown sticker on the other side for .39. 
Dry are very cheap.  Both taste good - but I really love the flavor of dry beans best.

They are a New Years tradition in many areas of the U.S. as they are thought to bring luck in the new year.  Who doesn't need extra luck?
Just remember they aren't just for New Year's tradition any more!
They are yummy and can and should be eaten all year.

Step outside of your comfort zone and give them a try.
We love both of the recipes above, and they give you a special new dish to fix that isn't just plain old black eyed peas.
Add another nutritious and cheap food to your pantry!
GIVE THEM A TRY