If you’re like me, you always seem to have some leftover black-eyed peas.
Most people do not know what to do with them.
But I’m here to show you the way.
Here are some of my best recipes to use up all those leftover peas.
Let’s take a look.
Make black-eyed pea hummus
First, you can always make black-eyed pea hummus.
To do this, first, combine cooked black-eyed peas, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve with pita bread or crackers.
Add them to your next soup or stew
Next, you can add your leftovers to your next soup or stew.
They will add some extra protein and flavor.
My favorite way to do this is to add them to my vegetable soup.
I simply add a can of black-eyed peas (drained and rinsed) to my vegetable soup when I am reheating it.
Make black-eyed pea fritters
You can also make black-eyed pea fritters.
To start, combine cooked black-eyed peas, flour, an egg, and some seasonings in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Heat some oil in a frying pan over medium heat and drop spoonfuls of the batter into the pan.
Fry until golden brown on both sides.
Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Transform them into a salad
Another great way to use up those black-eyed peas is to transform them into a salad.
This is a great option if you’re looking for something light and healthy.
Simply combine cooked black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, diced red onion, and a vinaigrette of your choice.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Use them as a topping for your next pizza
How about using your black-eyed peas as a topping for your next pizza? This is a great way to get some extra vegetables into your diet.
Simply top your favorite pizza dough with black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake according to your dough’s instructions.
Make black-eyed pea burgers
In addition, you can make black-eyed pea burgers.
First, combine cooked black-eyed peas, bread crumbs, an egg, and some seasonings in a food processor and blend until smooth.
Form the mixture into patties and cook in a frying pan over medium heat until browned on both sides.
Serve on a bun with your favorite toppings.
Throw them into a stir-fry
Finally, you can always throw your black-eyed peas into a stir-fry.
This is a quick and easy way to use up those leftover peas.
Simply add them to your stir-fry when you are adding the other vegetables.
They will cook quickly and add some extra protein and flavor to your dish.
Can you can leftover black-eyed peas?
They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
When reheating, make sure to bring them back up to a food-safe temperature by heating them until steaming hot throughout.
You can also freeze leftovers for up to six months.
How long can you eat leftover black-eyed peas?
You can eat them for up to 5 days.
After that, they start to spoil and can cause food poisoning.
If you’re not sure if your black-eyed peas are still good, throw them out to be safe (source).
How long do black-eyed peas last in the fridge?
They will last in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the freezer for up to six months (source).
Can you eat black-eyed peas after New Year’s Day?
Yes, you can eat them after New Year’s Day.
There is no rule that says you can’t.
In fact, they are quite delicious and nutritious, so there’s no reason not to enjoy them year-round.
How do I reheat black-eyed peas?
There are a few different ways that you can reheat them.
One way is to put them in a pot on the stove and heat them up that way.
Another way is to put them in a microwave-safe dish and reheat them in the microwave.
You can also reheat them in an oven, although this will take a bit longer.
Whichever method you choose, make sure that they are heated all the way through before eating them.
How do you preserve fresh black-eyed peas?
The best way to preserve them is to can them.
Canning is a process of sealing food in jars or other containers and heating the sealed container to kill any bacteria that could cause the food to spoil.
They are a low-acid food, so they need to be processed in a pressure canner to ensure that all bacteria are killed (source).
Are canned black-eyed peas healthy?
Canned ones can be a healthy option if you choose the right product.
Look for brands that are low in sodium and sugar, and make sure to drain and rinse the peas before eating them.
They are a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, so they can be a helpful part of a healthy diet (source).
Can you freeze canned black-eyed peas?
Yes, you can.
Just open the can, pour the peas into a freezer bag, and seal it up.
When you’re ready to use them, thaw the peas in the fridge overnight, then heat them up in a pan on the stove.
You can also add them frozen to soups or stews (source).
How do you cook dry black-eyed peas?
To cook dry ones, the first sort through them and remove any debris.
Rinse the peas several times with water to remove any dirt or impurities.
Soak the peas in water for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
Drain the peas and add them to a pot of freshwater.
Bring the pot of water to a boil and cook the peas for 1-2 hours, or until tender.
Once cooked, drain the peas and add them to your favorite dish.
Serve hot (source).
How do you know when black-eyed peas are cooked?
There are a few ways to tell when they are cooked.
One is to simply taste the peas and see if they are soft enough to eat.
Another way is to look at the peas and see if they are starting to fall apart.
If they are, then they are probably cooked.
Finally, you can use a fork to test the peas.
If they are soft enough to be pierced by a fork, then they are probably cooked (source).
Why are my black-eyed peas green?
If your peas are green, it’s likely due to one of two reasons.
The first possibility is that the peas were picked too early and haven’t had a chance to fully ripen yet.
The second possibility is that the peas were exposed to too much light during storage, which can cause them to turn green.
If you’re not sure which is the case, try cooking a few of the peas and see if they turn black.
If they do, then they were just picked early and are still fine to eat.
If they don’t, then you may want to discard them as they may not be as flavorful as peas that have been properly stored (source).
Why do you put a dime in black-eyed peas?
Some people believe that putting a dime in black-eyed peas brings good luck.
This may be because the dime represents wealth and prosperity.
Others believe that the dime wards off bad luck or evil spirits.
Whatever the reason, placing a dime in black-eyed peas is a tradition for many people (source).
Why do Southerners eat black-eyed peas?
There are a few theories as to why Southerners eat black-eyed peas.
One theory is that the peas were eaten during the Civil War because they were one of the few crops that survived the Union army’s scorched earth policy.
Another theory is that black-eyed peas were eaten on New Year’s Day to bring good luck in the coming year (source).
Can you soak black-eyed peas too long?
If you soak black-eyed peas for too long, they can become mushy.
It is best to soak them for about 6-8 hours (source).
Conclusion
All in all, you can see that there are many different ways to use up your leftovers.
These are just a few of my favorites.
So the next time you have some leftover black-eyed peas, try one of these recipes and enjoy.
Thanks for reading.