How to Cook Frozen Black Eyed Peas

Cooking frozen black-eyed peas is a simple and flavorful process that can be done on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker. Whether you’re making a hearty soup, a traditional Hoppin’ John dish, or a simple side of beans, frozen black-eyed peas are a convenient option. Here’s how to cook them:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (about 450g) frozen black-eyed peas
• Water or broth
• Salt (optional)
• Onion (optional)
• Garlic (optional)
• Seasonings of your choice (such as bay leaves, thyme, or smoked paprika)
• Olive oil or cooking fat (optional)

Stovetop Method:

1. Thaw the Peas (Optional):
   • If you have time, thaw the frozen black-eyed peas by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. This will help them cook more evenly.
2. Rinse the Peas:
   • Whether they’re thawed or frozen, rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water to remove any ice crystals or debris.
3. Cooking:
   • In a large pot, combine the black-eyed peas with enough water or broth to cover them by about 2 inches.
   • If desired, add chopped onion, minced garlic, and your choice of seasonings to the pot for extra flavor.
   • Optionally, add a splash of olive oil or a tablespoon of cooking fat to the pot to enhance the flavor and texture.
   • Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let the peas simmer gently.
   • Cook the black-eyed peas for about 30-45 minutes, or until they are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water or broth if needed to keep the peas submerged.
4. Seasoning:
   • Once the peas are tender, season them with salt to taste. Adding salt earlier in the cooking process can toughen the peas, so it’s best to wait until they’re almost done.
5. Serve:
   • Serve the cooked black-eyed peas hot as a side dish or use them in your favorite recipes.

Pressure Cooker Method (Instant Pot):

1. Thaw and Rinse:
   • Thaw the frozen black-eyed peas by placing them in the refrigerator overnight. Rinse them under cold water to remove any ice crystals or debris.
2. Pressure Cooking:
   • In the Instant Pot or pressure cooker, add the thawed black-eyed peas along with enough water or broth to cover them by about 1 inch.
   • Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and your choice of seasonings to the pot.
   • Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes, depending on how tender you like your peas.
   • Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then perform a quick pressure release.
3. Season and Serve:
   • Season the cooked black-eyed peas with salt to taste.
   • Serve the peas hot as a side dish or use them in your favorite recipes.

Tips:

• Add Flavor: Black-eyed peas pair well with onion, garlic, and a variety of herbs and spices. Experiment with different seasonings to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Storage: Cooked black-eyed peas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Cooking frozen black-eyed peas is a straightforward process that yields delicious and nutritious results. Whether you choose the stovetop or pressure cooker method, you’ll have tender and flavorful black-eyed peas ready to enjoy in no time.