How to Cook Black-Eyed Peas

Instructions

• Step 1

  Before cooking, sort through the black-eyed peas and remove any twigs or shriveled beans. Then, rinse them under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer.

• Step 2

  Soak the black-eyed peas in room temperature water overnight or at least 8 hours. Make sure they’re fully covered with at least 4 inches of water in a large container because they will expand. If you don’t have time to soak them overnight, soak them in boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes right before cooking.

• Step 3

  Drain the soaked black-eyed peas. Next, add them to a pot with water using a 4:1 water-to-beans ratio for cooking on the stovetop. Add a dash of salt to the pot according to preference and health needs or mix in other spices or ingredients such as bay leaves or garlic cloves.

• Step 4

  After bringing the mixture to a boil, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low. Let the black-eyed peas simmer gently for about 30 to 45 minutes, adding more water throughout if they are dry. If desired, add salt near the end of the cooking process to prevent the beans from becoming tough. Once they look ready, gently press a bean between your fingers to test if they are fully cooked. Black-eyed peas should feel tender but still hold their shape.

• Step 5

  Drain the black-eyed peas one more time using a colander or stainer. Once you are ready to eat the black-eyed peas, season them as desired.