How to Make Canned Black-Eyed Peas Taste Good? [9 Ideas]
I know that canned black-eyed peas are not the best-tasting food when prepared on their own, but I also know that there are so many delicious ways you can use them to create a tasty meal. You can transform these little beans into something remarkable with just a few simple ingredients. And it doesn’t even take that much time! The following article will present six super delicious ways to upgrade your canned black-eyed peas.
Look no further from this guide because, from sweet and savory options, I’ve got you covered. So if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to make your canned black-eyed peas taste great, here it is!
Herbs and Spices
If you want to boost your canned black-eyed peas, adding herbs and spices is the most effortless and effective way. Whether you’re in the mood for something zesty, smoky, or savory, there are many flavor combinations.
Some of my favorite ways to spice up canned black-eyed peas are the following:
- Cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder. This combination gives the beans a bold, flavorful Mexican flair, perfect for any tacos or burrito bowls.
- Thyme, oregano, and rosemary. For a classic Mediterranean vibe, try this aromatic blend of herbs that will add great depth and earthiness.
- Curry powder, mustard seed, and garam masala. This combination has a unique Indian flavor that blends sweet and spicy notes together beautifully.
Toppings
If you want your canned black-eyed peas to become crunchier and more fun, just sprinkle on some croutons, crunchy tortilla chips, or crushed-up crackers for a burst of texture that’ll add a unique twist to your bowl.
Plus, you can use toasted nuts, such as almonds or peanuts, for an even crunchier mouthfeel.
For extra flavor and texture, why not add some freshly diced bell pepper too? The sweetness of the bell pepper pairs perfectly with the earthiness of the black-eyed peas, creating a well-balanced yet exciting flavor combination.
The slight crunch of the bell peppers will also take your dish up another notch in terms of texture – turning your canned black-eyed peas into something special!
Sauces and Dressings
What about adding some tangy flavor to your black-eyed peas? Sauces and dressings are a great way to turn an everyday meal into something remarkable. You don’t need to spend a ton of time making an elaborate sauce either since plenty of options are already available at the store.
I love adding hot BBQ sauce, or chili-garlic paste, as they all give the beans some much-needed zing. A squeeze of citrus is also a wonderful option! Whether you add it directly or via a bottle of vinaigrette, adding some acidity really punches up the flavor profile.
Vegetables and Fruits
Plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits can do the trick for a little crunch added to your canned black-eyed peas. And here are my favorites!
Try adding diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, onions, and even some chopped apples or pears. Not only will this add a new level of texture to your dish, but it will also boost your daily intake of vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s an easy way to sneak in some extra servings of veggies and fruits if you have picky eaters at home!
To prepare a perfect side dish, mix together a can of black-eyed peas with a cup of your favorite chopped vegetables or fruit, then season with some salt and pepper, and cook in a skillet over medium heat until everything is warmed through and the vegetables are softened.
Spiced Tomato Sauce
You can excite your taste buds by transforming canned black-eyed peas into a flavorful dish. And the best way to do this is by layering the creamy legumes with a spiced tomato sauce.
Here’s how to do it:
Heat a large skillet over medium-low heat and add olive oil, diced onions, and minced garlic. Then, stir in canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano or thyme for additional flavor.
Once everything is thoroughly combined, pour the delicious mixture over your canned black-eyed peas and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. It’s just long enough to thicken the sauce and makes the perfect canvas for topping off with crumbled feta cheese or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
Use Leftovers to Turn Canned Peas Into Creative Meals
Whether you’re trying to make something special or just looking for something delicious and easy, some creative ideas include adding them to a southwestern-style soup with diced tomatoes, corn, bell pepper, and cubed potatoes.
Another option is to toss them with cooked quinoa and your favorite vegetables for a hearty salad, or maybe top a pizza crust with cooked black-eyed peas, mozzarella cheese, and barbecue sauce for a unique twist on BBQ pizza.
If you are a fan of mashed potatoes, you can layer cooked black-eyed peas over them and top them with grated cheese before baking for an easy Shepherd’s Pie-inspired dish.
Lastly, make tacos! Fill tortillas with black-eyed peas sauteed with peppers, onions, lettuce, tomato, cheese, or your favorite taco toppings.
The possibilities are endless for turning canned black-eyed beans into creative meals – so get creative in the kitchen and start experimenting today!
Crunchy Canned Black-Eyed Peas Salad
Ingredients
- 1 can Black-Eyed Peas (15 oz)
- 2 Carrots
- 2 Red Bell Peppers
- A Handful of Fresh Parsley
- 3 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Vinegar
- 1 ½ tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Pepper
- 1 ½ tsp Thyme
- 1 tsp Rosemary
Instructions
- Prepare all the ingredients and chop up the veggies.
- Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
- Enjoy your black-eyed peas salad as a full meal or as a side with some chicken tenders!
