Let me tell you about my secret weapon for busy weeknights—this frozen black-eyed peas recipe in the crock pot! It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal that fills your kitchen with the coziest aroma while you go about your day. I discovered this trick years ago when my neighbor brought over a steaming bowl of these creamy peas, and now it’s my go-to comfort food. No soaking, no fuss—just dump those frozen peas right in with some broth and spices, and let the slow cooker work its magic. By dinnertime, you’ve got a hearty, flavorful dish that tastes like you spent all day tending the pot.
Why You’ll Love This Frozen Black Eyed Peas Recipe Crock Pot
Oh, where do I even start? This recipe is my kitchen lifesaver, and here’s why you’ll adore it too:
- Zero stress prep: Frozen peas mean no soaking—just dump everything in and walk away!
- Hands-off magic: Let the crock pot do all the work while you tackle life (or take a nap).
- Deep, smoky flavor: That paprika and garlic combo? It’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
- Crazy versatile: Serve it over rice, with cornbread, or straight from the bowl—it’s perfect every way.
Trust me, once you try this, you’ll keep frozen peas stocked just for this recipe!
Ingredients for Frozen Black Eyed Peas Recipe Crock Pot
Grab these simple ingredients—most are probably already in your pantry! The beauty of this recipe is how everyday items transform into something special. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 1 lb frozen black-eyed peas (no thawing needed—straight from the freezer!)
- 4 cups vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought—just make sure it’s tasty)
- 1 onion, diced (yellow or white—whatever’s hanging around)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp pre-minced if you’re in a rush)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (this is the secret flavor booster)
- 1/2 tsp salt (you can always add more later)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly cracked if you’re feeling fancy)
- 1 bay leaf (don’t skip it—that little leaf packs big flavor)
See? Nothing complicated here—just good, honest ingredients that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.
How to Make Frozen Black Eyed Peas in a Crock Pot
Okay, let’s get cooking! This is so easy, you’ll laugh. First, grab your trusty crock pot—mine’s a little battered, but it gets the job done. Here’s the step-by-step magic:
- Dump it all in: Toss those frozen peas right into the crock (no thawing—I promise!). Add broth, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and that precious bay leaf. Give it a quick stir—just enough to mix the spices around.
- Set it and forget it: Lid on! Cook on low for 6-8 hours (perfect for workdays) or high for 3-4 hours (when you’re impatient like me). The peas should be tender but not mushy—poke one after 5 hours to check.
- The grand finale: Fish out that bay leaf (unless you like crunchy surprises). Taste and add a pinch more salt if needed. That’s it! You just made magic.
See? I told you it was simple. Now, let’s talk pro tips to make it even better…
Slow Cooking Tips for Perfect Black Eyed Peas
Here’s the stuff I’ve learned through trial and error (and a few mushy pea disasters):
- Soak for speed: If you’re short on time, soak the frozen peas in warm water for 30 minutes first—it’ll shave an hour off cooking.
- Season smart: Always taste before serving! The peas absorb salt, so you might need an extra pinch at the end.
- Veggie boost: Throw in diced carrots or celery with the onions—they add sweetness and texture.
Now go forth and make the coziest pot of peas ever!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Frozen Black Eyed Peas
Listen, life happens—sometimes you’re out of vegetable broth or your vegetarian friend cancels last minute. No worries! Here’s how to tweak this recipe without losing that soul-warming flavor:
- Broth swap: Chicken or beef broth works great if you’re not vegetarian. Just watch the salt—some store-bought versions are saltier than others.
- Meat lovers: Toss in a ham hock or smoked turkey leg for that classic Southern vibe (add it with the peas—it’ll infuse the whole pot with richness).
- Spice it up: No smoked paprika? Use regular paprika plus a dash of liquid smoke or chipotle powder for that deep, cozy flavor.
- Fresh vs. frozen: If you only have dried peas, soak them overnight first—they’ll need 8-10 hours on low.
See? Flexible as your favorite sweatpants. Make it your own!
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas
Oh, the possibilities! These creamy peas are like the friend that gets along with everyone. My absolute favorite? A big hunk of cornbread to soak up that smoky broth—trust me, it’s life-changing. For heartier meals, pile them over steamed rice or grits. Feeling fancy? Add a side of collard greens and call it a Southern feast. Leftovers? They’re amazing stuffed in a pita with some hot sauce—breakfast of champions!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Here’s the beautiful thing about these black-eyed peas—they taste even better the next day! Let them cool completely, then stash them in an airtight container. They’ll keep happily in the fridge for 4-5 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months (perfect for future lazy nights). To reheat, just warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen them up. Microwave works too—stir every 30 seconds until steaming. Easy peasy!
Nutritional Information for Frozen Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Here’s the scoop on what’s in this cozy bowl of goodness (per serving): roughly 180 calories, packed with 10g protein and 8g fiber to keep you full. They’re naturally low in fat and loaded with nutrients like folate and iron. Of course, these numbers can shift a bit based on your exact ingredients—especially if you add that delicious ham hock! But one thing’s for sure: it’s comfort food you can feel good about.
Frequently Asked Questions About Frozen Black Eyed Peas Recipe Crock Pot
I get questions about this recipe all the time—here are the ones that pop up most often:
Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just soak them overnight first—they’ll need 8-10 hours on low in the crock pot. Frozen peas are my shortcut because they cook faster without soaking.
How do I thicken the broth?
Easy! Remove about 1/2 cup of peas when they’re done, mash them with a fork, then stir back in. For extra body, let the pot sit uncovered on high for 15-30 minutes.
Can I make this spicy?
Oh yes! Add a diced jalapeño with the onions or shake in some red pepper flakes. My favorite trick? A dash of hot sauce at the end!
Why add the bay leaf if we remove it later?
That little leaf works magic while cooking—it adds depth without overpowering. Just remember to fish it out (unless you like unexpected “crunchy” bites!).
Share Your Experience
I’d love to hear how your black-eyed peas turned out! Did you add any fun twists? Drop a comment below—your tips might help fellow cooks. And if you snapped a photo, tag me on Instagram so I can see your delicious creation!
Print
Effortless 6-Ingredient Frozen Black Eyed Peas Crock Pot Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and hearty frozen black-eyed peas recipe made in a crock pot. Perfect for a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- 1 lb frozen black-eyed peas
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the crock pot.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- Soak frozen peas in water for 30 minutes to reduce cooking time.
- Add diced carrots or celery for extra flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: frozen black-eyed peas, crock pot recipe, slow cooker meal