Prep
10 min
Cook
4 hr 15 min
Total
4 hr 25 min
Servings
10

Method

  1. In a large skillet, place the bacon and cook it over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until it is evenly browned. This should take around 10 minutes.

  2. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain. Allow it to cool slightly, then crumble it.

  3. In the same skillet, heat the bacon drippings over medium to medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté them until they are tender. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes.

  4. In a slow cooker, combine the chicken broth, peas, salt, and pepper. Add the crumbled bacon, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, and any remaining bacon drippings.

  5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low heat until the peas are tender. This should take approximately 4 to 6 hours.

  6. If you prefer, you can use frozen black-eyed peas instead of fresh.

  7. If you choose to cook at a higher temperature, you may need to add an additional 2 cups of chicken broth.

About this recipe

Who doesn't love a warm and comforting bowl of black-eyed peas? And when you add some crispy bacon into the mix, it takes this classic dish to a whole new level of deliciousness. In this article, we'll explore how to make slow cooker black-eyed peas with bacon that will leave you wanting more.

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

Using a slow cooker for this recipe is a game-changer. It allows the flavors to meld together and really develop, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish. Plus, it's incredibly convenient. You can simply set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to do all the work while you go about your day.

The Secret Ingredient: Bacon

What sets this recipe apart is the addition of crispy bacon. The smoky and salty flavors from the bacon infuse the black-eyed peas, giving them a depth of flavor that is hard to resist. Plus, who can say no to bacon?

Step 1Prepare the Ingredients

Before you start cooking, gather all the ingredients you'll need. This includes black-eyed peas, bacon, onion, garlic, chicken broth, and a few spices. Once you have everything ready, it's time to move on to the next step.

Step 2Cook the Bacon

In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it's crispy. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Don't worry about draining the bacon fat; it will add extra flavor to the dish.

Step 3Sauté the Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until they become fragrant and translucent. This will take about 3-5 minutes. The onion and garlic will add a depth of flavor to the dish, complementing the smoky bacon perfectly.

Step 4Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Now it's time to bring everything together. In your slow cooker, combine the cooked bacon, sautéed onion and garlic, black-eyed peas, chicken broth, and spices. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is well mixed.

Step 5Cook on Low

Set your slow cooker to low heat and let the black-eyed peas cook for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and the black-eyed peas to become tender. The result is a hearty and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.

In Conclusion

Slow cooker black-eyed peas with bacon is a comforting and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and satisfying meal. Whether you're serving it as a main course or as a side dish, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to indulge in a bowl of deliciousness!

Frequently asked questions

Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried ones?

Absolutely! Using canned black-eyed peas is a convenient option if you're short on time. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the slow cooker.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Of course! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or celery to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the dish. Just make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the slow cooker.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the smoky flavor of bacon.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for future meals.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is easily scalable. Just make sure you have a large enough slow cooker to accommodate the increased quantity of ingredients.

Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, you can substitute turkey bacon if you prefer a leaner option. However, keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different compared to regular bacon.

Can I add hot sauce for some extra heat?

Absolutely! If you like a bit of spice, feel free to add some hot sauce to the dish. Just adjust the amount according to your preference.

Can I serve this dish with rice?

Absolutely! Serving the slow cooker black-eyed peas with rice is a classic combination. The rice helps to soak up the flavorful broth and adds a satisfying texture to the dish.

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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