Looking for a delicious and comforting meal? Look no further than black-eyed peas with bacon! One serving contains only 110 calories, making this hearty dish perfect for any meal.
Not only is this dish low in calories, but it also packs a nutritional punch. Black-eyed peas are a great source of protein, fiber, and several key vitamins and minerals. Plus, the addition of bacon adds both flavor and protein to the dish.
In this article, we'll explore some practical tips and strategies for cooking and serving this Southern classic. Whether you're a fan of traditional black-eyed peas or prefer to mix things up with new variations, this article has something for everyone.
How to Cook Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon
To make black-eyed peas with bacon, start by cooking bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the bacon grease in the pot. Add chopped onions, garlic, and celery to the pot and sauté until they're softened. Then, add black-eyed peas, chicken broth, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to a simmer. Simmer until the peas are tender, which usually takes about an hour. Add the crispy bacon on top of the peas and serve hot. This recipe is simple and easy to make, but it packs a ton of flavor and nutrition!
10 Delicious Variations of Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon
Looking for a way to mix things up with your black-eyed peas? Try one of these delicious variations: -Black-eyed peas and bacon salad with onion vinaigrette.
-Black-eyed pea soup with bacon and kale.
-Black-eyed pea and bacon fritters.
-Slow-cooked black-eyed peas with bacon and ham.
-Black-eyed pea and bacon chili.
-Creamy black-eyed peas with bacon and cheese.
-Black-eyed pea and bacon stuffed peppers.
-Black-eyed peas with bacon and smoked paprika.
-Black-eyed peas, bacon, and cornbread stuffing.
-Black-eyed peas and bacon breakfast tacos. There are endless possibilities for delicious variations of black-eyed peas with bacon. Get creative and try out different recipes to find your favorite!
The Nutritional Value of Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon
Black-eyed peas with bacon are not only delicious, but they're also packed with nutrition. One serving contains: -110 calories
-6 grams of protein
-15 grams of carbohydrates
-5 grams of fiber
-160% of your daily recommended value of folate
-15% of your daily recommended value of iron. Plus, the addition of bacon adds even more protein and flavor to the dish. Enjoy this Southern classic guilt-free!
Quick and Easy Recipe for Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon
Looking for a quick and easy recipe for black-eyed peas with bacon? Try this one! -Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside.
-Sauté chopped onion and garlic in bacon grease until softened.
-Add in canned black-eyed peas, chicken broth, and bay leaves.
-Simmer for 30 minutes.
-Take off heat, top with crispy bacon, and serve. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a warm and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Tips for Serving Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon
When serving black-eyed peas with bacon, here are some tips to keep in mind: -Pair with cornbread for a classic Southern meal.
-Top with shredded cheese or sour cream for added flavor.
-Serve alongside collard greens or other Southern veggies.
-Make a large batch in advance and freeze for later.
-Add in other ingredients like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition. By following these tips, you can take your black-eyed peas with bacon to the next level and create a meal that's both delicious and nutritious.
How to Store Leftover Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon
If you have leftover black-eyed peas with bacon, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warm. Add a splash of chicken broth to make the peas moist again. Leftover black-eyed peas with bacon make for a delicious and easy meal, so be sure to save any extras!
Ways to Make Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon Healthier
While black-eyed peas with bacon are already a nutritious meal, there are some ways to make them even healthier. Here are a few tips: -Use turkey bacon or Canadian bacon instead of regular bacon to reduce saturated fat.
-Add in more veggies like diced carrots, bell peppers, or kale to increase fiber and nutrients.
-Serve over cauliflower rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added nutrients.
-Reduce the amount of salt you use by seasoning with herbs and spices instead. By making these simple swaps, you can create a meal that's both delicious and good for you!
Pairing Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon for a Complete Meal
While black-eyed peas with bacon are a delicious and filling meal on their own, there are some other dishes you can pair them with for a complete meal. Here are a few ideas: -Collard greens: These classic Southern veggies pair perfectly with black-eyed peas and bacon.
-Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread is the perfect complement to a bowl of black-eyed peas.
-Roasted sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes add both nutrition and flavor to the meal.
-Fried catfish: Another classic Southern dish, fried catfish adds protein and a satisfying crunch to the meal.
-Cucumber and tomato salad: This refreshing side dish adds a crisp crunch and fresh flavor to the meal. By pairing black-eyed peas with these other dishes, you can create a meal that's both balanced and delicious.
Why Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon is a Southern Classic
Black-eyed peas with bacon is a classic Southern dish that has been enjoyed for generations. So why is it so popular in the South? For one, black-eyed peas are a staple crop in the South and have been grown in the region for centuries. Additionally, bacon has long been a popular ingredient in Southern cooking, adding both flavor and nutrition to dishes. Finally, black-eyed peas with bacon is often eaten on New Year's Day to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Regardless of the reason, black-eyed peas with bacon is a delicious and comforting meal that continues to be enjoyed by Southerners and non-Southerners alike.
Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon for Good Luck on New Year's Day
One of the most popular times to enjoy black-eyed peas with bacon is on New Year's Day. In Southern tradition, black-eyed peas are believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year. Some people even add a penny or dime to the pot of black-eyed peas and whoever gets the coin in their serving is said to have good luck all year long. Whether or not you believe in the good luck associated with black-eyed peas, there's no denying that they're a delicious and comforting meal that's perfect for any time of year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Serving Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon
1. How many calories are in one serving of black-eyed peas with bacon?
One serving of black-eyed peas with bacon contains 110 calories.
2. Is it a healthy dish?
Black-eyed peas are a great source of protein and fiber, while bacon adds flavor to the dish. However, bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation. If you're looking for a healthier option, you could use leaner cuts of bacon or turkey bacon instead.
3. How can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan?
If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can omit the bacon and add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to give it a smoky flavor. If you want to make it vegan, use vegan bacon or omit it altogether and add some sautéed mushrooms or chopped nuts for texture.
4. Can I freeze black-eyed peas with bacon?
Yes, you can freeze black-eyed peas with bacon. Let the dish cool down completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a microwave or on the stove.
5. How can I serve black-eyed peas with bacon?
You can serve black-eyed peas with bacon as a side dish or as the main course. It's a popular dish to have on New Year's Day in the Southern United States for good luck. You can pair it with cornbread, rice, or collard greens for a hearty meal.