Whether you are looking for recipes to make with black-eyed peas, or want to find a main dish or sides to serve with a classic recipe like our black-eyed peas with collard greens, we have you covered!
If you have ties to the South here in the United States, it might come at no surprise that we would share an article featuring black-eyed peas recipes as New Year’s approached.
If you are from elsewhere, you might not get the connection. So let me know explain in case you are in that camp. For many in the South, or with ties to the South, it is considered good luck to eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day.
This tradition is particularly associated with the South dish called Hoppin’ John. Traditionally made with ham hocks, we have cooked up a Healthy Hoppin’ John recipe that brings flavor — and perhaps good luck — along with some traditional ingredients. That article also has more backstory on the New Year’s tradition around Hoppin’ John.
But Hoppin’ John isn’t the only way to get some black-eyed peas on your plate! So today we bring you a collection of recipes using black-eyed peas along with some ideas of what to serve along with black-eyed peas.
But first, let’s give you a bit more info about black-eyed peas.
Black-eyed peas FAQ
Black-eyed peas, or sometimes called black-eyed beans, are a medium sized legume. The are a subspecies of cow beans. They are cream in color, with the black spot that gives them their name.
Black-eyed peas are grown around the world, with origins in Africa.
Like other legumes, black-eyed peas are very healthy. They are a good source of fiber and protein, and provide complex carbohydrates. See this Web MD article for more on the health benefits of black-eyed peas.
Black-eyed peas can be bought dried, canned or frozen. I often go for the canned type. When using canned black-eyed peas, drain and rinse them before using to reduce the sodium.
Dried black-eyed peas are a healthy and economical option. Most articles indicate that soaking black-eyed peas as you might for some thicker beans is not necessary.
Recipes using black-eyed peas
Let’s start out by sharing some recipes you can make featuring black-eyed peas as a main ingredient. This includes some recipes here on Cooking Chat and selections from fellow bloggers.
Dishes with black-eyed peas
A collection of recipes that feature black-eyed peas as a principal ingredient. Plenty of tasty options for you!
We make some swaps to make a healthy Hoppin' John recipe that still has plenty of flavor. You can enjoy this Southern classic without the ham hocks and still get the good luck!
We start with a classic combination of black-eyed peas with collard greens. Keep on scrolling for a link to the pulled pork we served with it!
This easy Cajun Bean Soup is loaded with warming spices, black-eyed beans and sweet corn for a comforting meal that your whole family will love. Best of all, it’s super easy to make from just pantry staples.
Spicy Black-Eyed Pea Salad is a spicy light, warm-weather twist on classic Southern comfort food. Perfect with anything you’re grilling or on its own as a healthy lunch!
This Indian style Vegan Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas Curry Recipe, is an easy and delicious preparation with readily available ingredients. Blacked eyed peas pressure cooked with onions, tomatoes and spices.
Made with Cajun andouille sausage, bacon, onions, garlic, herbs, and spices, these Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas are so good, you’ll want these good luck charms not only for New Year's Day but any time during the year!
If black-eyed peas and collard greens are a New Year’s Day tradition for you, then why not enjoy them together in croquette form?
We combine the flavors of Hoppin' John with Italian risotto for a delicious fusion meal!
Black eyed pea dip is so simple, yet so delicious and people love it. It takes just a few simple ingredients and a zesty semi-homemade dressing to create this dip. Serve it as an appetizer or a cool side dish
A crowd-pleasing recipe full of delicious veggies! Layers of peppers, onions, peas, cornbread and ranch dressing-makes a great dip or side dish.
Black eyed pea soup in the Instant Pot, with ham, andouille sausage and collard greens. The perfect soup to ring in the New Year and a favorite soup to make all winter long.
Black eyed peas become incredibly creamy and flavorful when cooked low and slow with paprika, garlic, and shallots. Served with sautéed Andouille Sausage and rice, this is a hearty, nourishing dish that's especially comforting when the nights are cold and the days are short
Texas caviar recipe, also known as cowboy caviar dip, tossed with shrimp, avocado, and a spicy lime vinaigrette. So darn delish! Grab tortilla chips and scoop up mounds of deliciousness.
Cold Winter nights calls for a bowl of this warm Black-Eyed Peas and Potato Stew made in the Instant Pot. Serve this Vegan and gluten free stew with some rice or crusty bread on the side.
What to serve with black-eyed peas
OK, so once you have picked out what tasty recipe you are going to use to make some black-eyed peas, you are probably wondering what to serve with them. We’ve got some great ideas for you, include some main dishes as well as sides.
Main dishes to serve along with black-eyed peas
OK, so you’re planning to make some black-eyed peas, maybe some Hoppin’ John or one of the other recipes above. What are some good main dishes to serve with black-eyed peas? Consider these tasty options!
Main dishes that go with black-eyed peas
We have put together a collection of main dish recipes that go well with black-eyed peas on the side.
Savory slow cooker pulled pork with a tasty BBQ flavor. A little work upfront in the morning, and you wind up with some delicious pork for dinner later.
This simple smoked pork loin recipe has just a few ingredients and 3 simple steps. The juicy, tender pork is perfect to pair with any side!
This Cinnamon Chicken recipe is deliciously savory with a surprising burst of flavor! Shop your pantry and use what you have on hand to make a full meal. Use for weekly meal prep with various sides.
This air fryer Cajun style salmon, is cooked in just 10 minutes. It is crispy and golden brown outside and tender and succulent inside, making the perfect main dish to pair with black eye peas.
A tasty and easy 30 minute skillet pork chops and rice recipe the whole family will love. Uses your favorite salsa and pairs perfectly with black-eyed peas.
This Pan-Seared Filet Mignon is restaurant-caliber dining in the comfort of your own home. Steaks are seared in butter until well-browned, then served with a red wine-dijon mustard sauce.
This Garlic Butter Chicken is a new family favorite! It comes together easily in 15 minutes, is full of flavor, and is the perfect protein to add to any meal!
These pan-seared pork chops with garlic butter sauce are indulgent with a touch of sweetness and tanginess. Super easy to make too, using everyday ingredients.
You’re going to love how simple this ham steak recipe is because with just 3 ingredients (that you probably have on hand already) you can turn your ham steak into a tasty piece of meat ready to eat for any occasion!
Sides to serve with black-eyed peas
Here are some great side dishes to serve along with those black-eyed peas!
Sides Serve With Black-Eyed Peas
What side dishes to serve with black-eyed peas? We've got salads, greens, sweet potatoes and more to choose from!
Our Sautéed Arugula with Red Bell Peppers is easy and healthy. A flavorful addition to the plate along with black-eyed peas.
Mashed Potatoes with Cumin Sage Butter is easily one of our top side dishes. We have enjoyed it with the black-eyed peas and collard greens mentioned earlier.
Hot out of the oven, this Southern-style Old-Fashioned Cornbread with its delicious corn flavor and crispy, crunchy edges has been a family favorite for generations. And, it’s perfect to serve with black-eyed peas. Classic cornbread, made with buttermilk in a cast-iron skillet, is a true Southern staple.
Crispy Oven Okra is roasted to perfection with a flavorful crunch. Served with a delicious, Lemon-Dill and Garlic Aioli.
It’s the aroma that sucks you in, but it’s the flavour that makes you go back. Coconut rice has the perfect fluff and fragrance to elevate any meal!
This cheesy potato bake is out of this world! The richness of cheddar, gouda, and pimento cheese is so amazingly delicious and addictive! Perfect for the holidays, entertaining, and family gatherings.
Smothered Potatoes are a very versatile Southern side dish that goes with just about any Southern meal. Made entirely from pantry staples with minimal prep and effort in less than 25 minutes, this is well loved by the family potato side dish
Collard Green Dip is a delicious New Year’s appetizer that is southern to the core. Spicy tomatoes give just the right amount of kick.
This Brazilian fried collard greens are thinly sliced and pan fried with garlic and bacon. It is soul food at its best and make the perfect pair with black eye peas.
Molly Pisula
Great way to usher in the new year!
Cooking Chat
Definitely a great tradition!