Name: Ina Garten Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Ingredients: 1 lb dried black-eyed peas (2 cups); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 carrot, diced; 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cups water; 2 bay leaves; 2 sprigs thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Garnish: parsley or scallions

This Ina Garten Black Eyed Peas Recipe is a savory and aromatic dish, which includes black-eyed peas and fresh thyme. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in 1 hour and 15 minutes.

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Ina Garten Black Eyed Peas Ingredients

1 pound (about 2 cups) dried black-eyed peas
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 large carrot, diced
4 cups chicken stock or vegetable broth
2 cups water
2 bay leaves
2 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or scallions

How To Make Ina Garten Black Eyed Peas

Soak the peas: Place dried black-eyed peas in a bowl and cover with water. Soak for 6–8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, celery, and carrot. Cook 5–7 minutes until softened.
Add broth and herbs: Stir in broth, water, bay leaves, and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil.
Cook the peas: Add soaked peas. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 45–60 minutes until peas are tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally.
Season and serve: Remove bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley or scallions if desired. Serve warm.

Recipe Tips

Do I have to soak black-eyed peas? Yes, soaking ensures even cooking and reduces cook time.
Can I make this vegetarian? Use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
How to make it creamier: Mash a small portion of the peas and stir back into the pot.
Can I cook this in the Instant Pot? Yes—cook soaked peas for 12 minutes on high pressure, then natural release.
Best garnish ideas: Fresh parsley, scallions, or even a splash of hot sauce.

What To Serve With Black Eyed Peas

This dish pairs beautifully with:

Fluffy white rice or jasmine rice
Southern-style cornbread
Roasted greens (collards, kale, or spinach)
Grilled or roasted chicken
Smoked sausage or ham (if not vegetarian)

How To Store Black Eyed Peas

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth.

Ina Garten Black Eyed Peas Nutrition Facts (per serving, estimated)

Calories: 220
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fiber: 8 g
Fat: 5 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Sugar: 3 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Do black-eyed peas need to be rinsed after soaking?
Yes, rinse them to remove excess starch and improve texture.

Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead?
Yes, reduce cooking time to 15–20 minutes since they’re already tender.

Why are my peas mushy?
They were likely overcooked—start checking at 45 minutes.

Can I add meat for extra flavor?
Yes, smoked ham hock, bacon, or sausage add great depth.

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