The Best Way to Cook Black-Eyed Peas (Recipe Without Soaking, Quick Soak, and Overnight Soak)

Time-saving tips

In this step-by-step guide, youโ€™ll learn how to cook black-eyed peas. Youโ€™ll discover three easy recipes: cooking without soaking, quick soaking, and soaking overnight. Plus, youโ€™ll find fun ways to use black-eyed peas for your New Yearโ€™s celebration.

By Ksenia
18. January 2025
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Why This Recipe Is Great

Curious how to cook black-eyed peas? Itโ€™s simple, and in this blog post, youโ€™ll discover:

  • 3 step-by-step methods to cook black-eyed peas, so you can choose the best one for you
  • How long to cook black-eyed peas for perfectly tender results
  • Easy soaking methods: how to soak black-eyed peas overnight or try the quick-soak method
  • How to cook black-eyed peas without soaking if youโ€™re short on time
  • Tips for storing and freezing black-eyed peas for future meals
  • The best way to add frozen peas to your favorite dishes
  • How to season black-eyed peas to create flavors youโ€™ll love
  • Pro tips for cooking fresh, frozen, or canned black-eyed peas
  • How to create flavorful dishes with black-eyed peas without meat
  • Fun ways to include black-eyed peas in your New Yearโ€™s celebration
  • Quick and tasty vegan and vegetarian recipes with black-eyed peas

Perfectly cooked, tender black-eyed peas in no time.

Everything You Need to Know About Black-Eyed Peas

Did you know that black-eyed peas are beans, not peas? They have a unique shapeโ€”curved and elongatedโ€”with a dark spot in the center that looks like a black eye. Thatโ€™s where the name “black-eyed pea” comes from. You can also find them under the name cowpeas or black-eyed beans.

Add more black-eyed peas to your diet! Why? Because of their health benefits. They are a great source of protein and nutrients. And, of course, because of their taste. Theyโ€™re earthy, rich, and have a nutty flavor. Perfect for many vegetarian or vegan recipesโ€”or just for any dish where you want to sneak in some extra protein. Plus, they cook faster than other legumes. So theyโ€™re a great choice when you’re short on time. Toss them in soups, vegetable stews, or even pรขtรฉs!

In North America, especially in the South, everyone has black-eyed peas on New Year’s. Itโ€™s a tradition many follow to bring in a lucky year. Want to join in? Celebrate New Year’s with black-eyed peas at your dinner table, and welcome the year with good luck.

So, whatโ€™s the easiest New Year’s black-eyed peas recipe? A comforting soup! Check out our recipe for a creamy, warming soup Black-eyed pea soupโ€”itโ€™s perfect for celebrating the New Year. You can make it with canned or dried peasโ€”it’s up to you! Either way, enjoy black-eyed peas on New Year’s and ring in a lucky year the tasty way.

Homemade vs. Canned: Which is Better?

Youโ€™ve found a few great recipes with black-eyed peas. Theyโ€™re flavorful, delicious, and easyโ€”exactly how you like them. Now, youโ€™re deciding which to use: canned or dried peas. So, which is better for your recipe? Letโ€™s break down the pros and cons of both options.

  • Convenience: Canned peas are incredibly convenient because theyโ€™re already cooked. This saves you a lot of time! Thereโ€™s nothing better than a quick black-eyed beans recipe. However, canned peas often come with added salt (sometimes too much) or other spices. When you cook black-eyed peas from scratch, you control the ingredients. You can add the spices you like or leave them out entirely.
  • Customize Flavors: If you prefer no salt and no spices because you want to add peas to different recipes later and adjust the flavor for each dish, a homemade recipe for black-eyed peas is perfect. Cook peas with only a bit of salt and no spices. Adapt them later to fit whatever you make, whether a soup, salad or spread. Start cooking beans at home, especially if you want to use them in multiple dishes later. Donโ€™t add strong seasonings upfront, and keep your options open.
  • Low Salt: Want to cut down on salt? Then, cooking dried black-eyed peas is your best option. You can add as much salt as you want.
  • Healthier Option: Canned beans often contain additives or preservatives, while homemade ones do not. So, if youโ€™re looking for a healthy recipe, homemade black-eyed peas are the way to go.
  • Save Money: Cooking dry black-eyed peas at home is also cheaper. Once you have your favorite quick dry black-eyed peas recipe, you can cook a large batch, freeze it, and save money!
  • Better Taste: Homemade black-eyed peas taste better and often have a firmer texture. Plus, when you cook them at home, you donโ€™t have to cook peas every time you need them. Just cook a big batch and freeze it in servings. And use frozen peas whenever you need them in your favorite recipes.
  • No Soaking: Did you know you can cook black-eyed peas without soaking? The black-eyed peas’ cooking time is around 40 minutes. You donโ€™t have to wait for them to soak overnight! Check out the method below.
  • Big Event Helper: For your black-eyed peas New Yearโ€™s recipe, it makes sense to cook and freeze a big batch. On New Yearโ€™s Day, when you cook a lot, itโ€™s a huge time saver! And donโ€™t forget that black-eyed peas on New Yearโ€™s Day bring money and prosperity!

How to Cook Black-Eyed Peas: Step-by-Step Method

Learn how to cook black-eyed peas with three super easy methods. Whether you soaked them overnight or forgot, no problem! Youโ€™ll find the perfect solution in this post. The last method is the quickest because it doesnโ€™t require soaking.

Letโ€™s start with the ingredients. You only need three basics:

  • Water
  • Black-eyed peas
  • Salt

How to Soak Black-Eyed Peas and How Long to Soak Them
There are two ways to soak them:

  1. Overnight Soak: Let them sit in water for about 8 hours.
  2. Black-Eyed Peas Quick Soak: Cook them briefly, then soak for 1 hour. After soaking, youโ€™ll need to cook them again.

The black-eyed peas’ soaking time depends on the method. Choose overnight for a slower process, or try the quick soak if youโ€™re short on time. Letโ€™s dive into all three methods so you know how to make black-eyed peas just as you like them!

Soak Black-Eyed Peas Overnight

The easiest way to cook black-eyed peas is to soak beans overnight. Soaking black-eyed peas helps cut down cooking time. Hereโ€™s how to do it:

  • First, sort through the peas and remove any broken or dry ones. Then, give your peas a quick rinse.
  • How to soak black-eyed peas overnight? Itโ€™s easy! Add the water to the rinsed peas. Use a 1:3 ratioโ€”one part peas to three parts water. Cover the bowl with a lid and place it in the fridge to prevent fermentation, especially if your kitchen is warm.
  • How long do you soak black-eyed peas? For the overnight soaking method, soak them for 6 to 12 hours. If you want a faster option, check out our quick soaking or no-soak method below.
  • Now itโ€™s time to cook. But before cooking black-eyed peas after soaking, drain the soaking liquid, and rinse the peas. And add fresh water in the same 1:3 ratio.
  • How to cook black-eyed peas on the stove? Place the pot with peas and fresh water on the stove. Bring the peas to a boil, lower the heat, and let them simmer. Skim off any foam that rises to the top. Cook on low heat with the lid on. Add salt about 5 minutes before theyโ€™re done. Then rinse the peas again.
  • How long do you cook black-eyed peas?
    Only 20 minutes, and theyโ€™re ready!

Thatโ€™s it! Soaking black-eyed peas overnight is easy, but it does take some time. Now, letโ€™s explore the quick soak method!

Quick Soaking Method

So, how do you cook black-eyed peas if they aren’t soaked? No problemโ€”there’s a faster method than soaking them overnight! It’s called the hot soak method, where you soak the peas in hot water to reduce the cooking time. Here’s how to quick soak black-eyed peas:

  • Sort and rinse the peas, just like we did earlier. Add water in a 1:3 ratio and bring it to a boil. Let it boil for 2 minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let them soak. How long do black-eyed peas need to soak? To quick soak black-eyed peas, let them sit in the hot water for 1 hour. 
  • Drain and rinse the peas, then add fresh hot water (again, using the 1:3 ratio). Now, itโ€™s time to cook!
  • How long to cook black-eyed peas after soaking? Cook the peas until theyโ€™re soft and tenderโ€”around 30 minutes. Add salt 5 minutes before theyโ€™re done.
  • The liquid will look dark and cloudy. Simply give the peas a final rinse and drain them.

No Soaking Method

Forgot to soak your peas? No problem! Can you cook black-eyed peas without soaking them? Definitely. Itโ€™s simple, and the cooking time is shorter than you might think. Hereโ€™s how to cook black-eyed peas without soaking:

  • Sort and rinse the peas under running water, just like we did before.
  • Add the peas and cold water to a pot in a 1:3 ratio. Bring it to a boil.
  • Skim off the foam. Then, lower the heat and simmer with the lid on.
  • Cook on low heat and add salt 5 minutes before the peas are done. Once they’re finished, rinse the peas.
  • How long to cook fresh black-eyed peas? It takes about 40 minutes. Thatโ€™s much quicker than beans. Beans cook for 50-60 minutes. Peas cook faster because they have thin skin.

How Long Does It Take to Cook Black-Eyed Peas: A Time Summary

Now, letโ€™s summarize how long it takes to cook black-eyed peas for each method so you can choose the one that works best for you.

  • With quick soaking: Cooking time is 30 minutes. But add 2 minutes of boiling and 1 hour of soaking beforehand. Total time: at least 1 hour and 32 minutes.
  • With overnight soaking: Cooking time is 20 minutes, but the peas need to soak for 6-12 hours beforehand. Total time: at least 6 hours and 20 minutes.
  • Without soaking: Cooking time is 40 minutes. Since you donโ€™t need to soak, this is the fastest method when you need beans quickly. Total time: 40 minutes.

Now that you know how long black-eyed peas take to cook, choose the method that suits you best! We recommend cooking peas on the stove because you can taste them anytime and control how tender or firm they are.

These methods work great for black-eyed peas, and you can use them for other dried beans. Just adjust the cooking time. Now, add your cooked peas to your best black-eyed peas recipe! Donโ€™t forget to check out our post for a delicious and creamy black-eyed pea soup. You can use canned or dried peas for this recipe.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Results

Cooking black-eyed peas is simple, but here are a few tips to help you make them just right:

  1. Overcooked peas? If the peas are overcooked and their skins crack, don’t waste them. Use them to make pรขtรฉs, falafel, or casseroles.
  2. Black-eyed peas salad recipe tip: Avoid overcooking. Drain and rinse the peas thoroughly, as the cooking water is thick and cloudy. If you donโ€™t rinse properly, your salad may become sticky and look unappetizing.
  3. Best seasoning for black-eyed peas: Add salt only 5 minutes before the peas finish cooking. If you salt too early, it extends the cooking time.
  4. Cooking stews or soups? Add the cooked peas at the end so they stay in shape and donโ€™t get mushy.
  5. Prepare peas properly: Rinse the peas before cooking and remove any broken or dry beans, as well as leaves or twigs. Broken beans can make the dish mushy.
  6. How long to cook black-eyed peas on the stove? Cooking time depends on whether you follow a black-eyed peas recipe without soaking or soak them first. It takes between 20 to 40 minutes to cook them. If youโ€™ve got peas from this yearโ€™s harvest, they cook faster, while older peas take longer.
  7. Cooking process: The best way to make black-eyed peas is to cook the peas on low heat with a lid. After boiling, skim off the foam. Drain and rinse them after cooking. 
  8. Cook black-eyed peas on the stove so you can check how tender they are anytime.

Follow these tips for any simple black-eyed peas recipe, whether youโ€™re using fresh, frozen, or canned black-eyed peas recipes. 

How to Store


Now you know how to cook fresh black-eyed peas, letโ€™s talk about storing them. Once cooked, let stovetop black-eyed peas cool first. Rinse the peas under running water and drain any excess water with a sieve. Then, place them in an airtight container with a lid, airtight bags, or airtight glass containers. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to Freeze

Can you freeze black-eyed peas? Of course! Cook and rinse the peas, then divide them into servings. This way, you can quickly grab the amount you need for one recipe. Store them in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Keep frozen black-eyed peas in the freezer for up to 3 months. Donโ€™t forget to label them with the date. Now, you can make any quick black-eyed peas recipe using your cooked peas in no time!

How to Add Frozen Beans to Dishes

Wondering how to cook frozen black-eyed peas? Letโ€™s break it down so you can use them in your favorite black-eyed pea recipes!

  • For soups or other hot dishes, add frozen black-eyed peas at the end of cooking. Why? Because theyโ€™re already cooked, and you donโ€™t want them to overcook. 
  • How long to cook frozen black-eyed peas? It’s quick! Bring the dish to a boil and cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors combine.
  • For soups or stews, you can add beans directly from the freezer. You donโ€™t need to thaw them. Add peas to the boiling vegetables and spices. Then, continue cooking frozen black-eyed peas for at least 5 minutes. Since the vegetables are already cooked, frozen black-eyed peas cook time is about 5-6 minutes. By the way, you can freeze leftover soup or stew for up to 1 month.
  • To add frozen beans to a salad or another dish that wonโ€™t be cooked further, remove the peas from the container or freezer-safe bag. Place them in boiling water and cook for 3 minutes. Drain them in a sieve, then dip them in very cold water for 1 minute. Drain again and add them to your dish.
  • How to cook frozen black-eyed peas without meat? Itโ€™s easy! If you want to add an extra flavor without meat, cook them in vegetable stock and add spices like cumin and oregano. The best way to add them to dishes like soups is to prepare the vegetable and spice base first, then add frozen black-eyed peas at the end of cooking. Check our black-eyed peas recipe without meat for a step-by-step guide. Itโ€™s a creamy, flavorful, and delicious dish!

Frozen beans are great for any healthy black-eyed pea recipe. They keep all their vitamins and minerals, and you save time on prep. So convenient and tasty!

How to Season Black-Eyed Peas

Do you find a dried black-eyed peas recipe with just water and salt boring? That’s only the base. You can always add seasoning to make it better! Here’s the best way to do it:

  • Boil the peas in vegetable stock. We prefer vegetable stock for seasoning black-eyed peas, but you can use any stock you like.
  • Add a whole onion and a bay leaf while cooking. This is a simple way to enhance the flavor. Just remember to remove them at the end.
  • Add spices! The best black-eyed peas seasoning is oregano, cumin, or a pepper mix.
  • Add acidic ingredients last. In recipes for black-eyed peas, donโ€™t add acidic ingredients like tomatoes, tomato paste, vinegar, or lemon juice until the beans are almost done. Acidic ingredients slow down cooking, and your beans wonโ€™t soften. For the same reason, add salt about five minutes before the beans are fully cooked.
  • Use nut butter for a creamy texture. Season any vegetarian black-eyed peas recipe with almond, peanut, or cashew butter. These add a creamy texture to your dish. You can also use them in vegan recipes. This way, your vegan black-eyed peas recipe will be flavorful, satisfying, and rich in flavor!

Follow these tips to season and make a delicious, easy black-eyed peas recipe from scratch anytime!

Soaked vs. Unsoaked: Which Pea Cooking Method Is Best for You?

Do you have to soak black-eyed peas? No, you donโ€™t. It takes just a bit longer to cook unsoaked peas, about 40 minutes. So, if cooking dried black-eyed peas without soaking is quick, why soak them? And why not?

  • Donโ€™t soak for taste. The taste is the same with either method. Cooked black-eyed peas have a neutral flavor. Add spices and other ingredients to create different flavors. So, soaking isnโ€™t necessary for taste.
  • Donโ€™t soak for quicker cooking. If you’re short on time, skip soaking. Soaked beans cook faster. But cooking unsoaked peas is quicker when you factor in the soaking time.
  • Soak for a sensitive stomach. If you have a sensitive stomach and tend to get gas or bloating, soak your beans. To save time, try the black-eyed peas quick soak method. Just throw away the soaking water to make the beans easier to digest.

Recipe Ideas โ€“ How to Make Black-Eyed Pea Soup

The simplest black-eyed peas recipe you can make quickly is black-eyed pea soup. It’s creamy, warming, and easy to make with basic ingredients. Black-eyed peas pair well with onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers. So, we add them to create a flavorful base. Then, we use a delicious spice mixโ€”oregano, chili, cumin, cinnamon, garlic, and gingerโ€”to create a rich flavor. Next, we add canned diced tomatoes to make the soup hearty and tangy. Then, stir in almond butter for creaminess. Itโ€™s a simple black-eyed peas recipe, but itโ€™s packed with flavor and texture! Plus, itโ€™s vegan, so itโ€™s great for vegetarians and vegans.

Try itโ€”youโ€™ll love it! Itโ€™ll become your new favorite dinner. A canned black-eyed peas recipe can be a lifesaver when you need a quick meal. So, make this soup with canned beans if youโ€™re in a rush. But if youโ€™re in the mood for a fresh black-eyed peas recipe, cook the peas first and add them to the soup. Either way, itโ€™s a simple black-eyed peas recipe and a hearty, comforting dish!

Have a serving of frozen peas in the freezer? Add them to this soupโ€”no need to thaw! And your frozen black-eyed peas recipe is ready!

Black-Eyed Peas and New Yearโ€™s Celebrations

Did you know that many people cook black-eyed peas for New Yearโ€™s to bring in money and prosperity? A big pot of New Year’s black-eyed pea soup is one of the most popular traditions. But why are black-eyed peas on New Yearโ€™s so special?

Well, there are a few fun stories behind it! One legend says that as the peas cook and swell, they represent coins that grow in number. And if you add collard greens and cabbage to your soup, it brings paper money into your home. 

Donโ€™t forget to serve cornbread with the soup! Cornbread symbolizes gold and is said to bring prosperity year and good fortune. 

So, what are some fun ways to add black-eyed peas to your New Yearโ€™s celebration? Here are a few ideas:

  • Cook together with friends. Cook black-eyed peas in advanceโ€”you can store or freeze them. Then, invite your friends over. Chop veggies together, toss a fresh salad, make a hearty soup, or whip up a tasty dip.
  • Loaded nachos with cheese and black-eyed peas. Sautรฉ onions and black-eyed peas with tomatoes and your favorite spices. Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, and spoon of black-eyed pea mixture over the chips. Sprinkle cheese on top. Bake and serve with guacamole or salsa!
  • Black-eyed peas soup bar. Make a big pot of black-eyed peas soup, and let your friends bring toppings or sides. Itโ€™s hassle-free and lets everyone join in on the fun!
  • Loaded baked potatoes. If soup isnโ€™t your thing, try baked potatoes kumpir with creative toppings. Make a dip using black-eyed peas, sun-dried tomatoes, and olive oil. Sautรฉ peas with tomatoes and spices for another topping option.

Give it a tryโ€”itโ€™s a great tradition!

Vegan and Vegetarian Recipes with Black-Eyed Peas

Now that you know how to cook dried black-eyed peas, you can use them as the base for many delicious vegan and vegetarian recipes. Letโ€™s start with some vegan ideas!

First, try this easy recipe for black-eyed peas with a simple tomato sauce. Check out our bean stew recipe for the original version. Follow all the steps, but swap out the white beans with your cooked black-eyed peas. Youโ€™ll end up with a simple, tasty peas stew!

Next, try a creamy black bean soup. Use half of the black beans in this recipe and substitute the other half with cooked black-eyed peas. The result? A satisfying soup with a creamy texture! Plus, you’ll have a new soul food black-eyed peas recipe in your collection!

For a light yet filling salad, try an Asian noodle salad. Just replace the black beans with your cooked black-eyed peas. This salad has fresh veggies, creamy beans, chewy pasta, and a flavorful dressingโ€”so satisfying!

Now, letโ€™s move on to some vegetarian black-eyed peas recipes. Try a cheesy lasagna soup. Swap the black beans for black-eyed peas. Or any other beans you like. The soup is cheesy, loaded with pasta and tangy flavors!

If youโ€™re tired of cornbread, serve your black-eyed peas with cheesy muffins instead! Theyโ€™re a beautiful yellow color, symbolizing gold. And theyโ€™re low carb, with a good amount of protein per serving. Simple, tasty, and perfect for New Yearโ€™s celebrations.For a great alternative to collard greens, try Brussels sprouts! Theyโ€™re shaped like coins and represent wealth. So, they are a great substitute. Give our perfectly seasoned version of Brussels sprouts a try!

Cooked black-eyed peas in a small pan, tender and delicious.

3 Easy Ways to Cook Black-Eyed Peas (Quick Soak & No Soak!)

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Learn how to cook black-eyed peas without soaking and with quick soaking. Step-by-step guide and video!
Servings 2 Servings
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Equipment

  • Sieve
  • Pot

Ingredients
  

(With 100g of dried peas, youโ€™ll get 220g of cooked peas):

  • 100 g dried black-eyed peas
  • 300 g water
  • ยฝ tsp salt

Instructions
 

How to Cook Dried Black-Eyed Peas – 3 Easy Methods

    Overnight Soaking

    • Pick through the peas and remove any that are broken or dried out. After that, give the black-eyed peas a quick rinse.
    • Soak peas in water in a 1:3 ratio (1 part peas to 3 parts water). For 100g of black-eyed peas, use 300g of water. Soak for 8โ€“12 hours.
    • Store the container or pot with peas in the fridge to prevent fermentation. Donโ€™t store it at room temperature. Close the container or cover the pot with a lid.
    • Drain the water and rinse the peas. Add soaked black-eyed peas and fresh water to the cooking pot. Use the same ratio of peas to water: 1:3 (1 part peas to 3 parts water). We added 300 g of water.
    • Bring the peas to a boil and skim off the foam. Lower the heat, cover with a lid, and cook on low until soft.
    • Add ยฝ tsp of salt 5 minutes before the peas are done. The peas are ready in about 20 minutes with the overnight soaking method.
    • Before using cooked black-eyed peas in other dishes, drain the water, rinse them, and then drain again.

    Quick Soaking

    • Go through the peas and remove any broken or dry ones. Then, rinse the black-eyed peas.
    • Add cold water in a 1:3 ratio (1 part peas to 3 parts water). Use 300g of water for 100g of black-eyed peas.
    • Boil for 2 minutes, then leave the peas in the hot water for 1 hour.
    • Drain the water, rinse the peas, and add fresh hot water in a 1:3 ratio (1 part peas to 3 parts water). We added 300 g of water.
    • Bring to a boil and skim off the foam. Cover and cook until soft, then add ยฝ tsp of salt 5 minutes before the peas are ready.
    • The peas will be ready in about 30 minutes with a quick soaking method. Drain the water. Then rinse the cooked black-eyed peas and drain them again before using them in other dishes.

    Cooking Without Soaking

    • Check the peas and remove any broken or dry ones. Then, rinse them.
    • Add cold water in a 1:3 ratio. For 100g of peas, use 300g of water.
    • Bring to a boil, skim off the foam. Then reduce to a simmer until soft. Cook on low heat with a lid on.
    • Add ยฝ tsp of salt 5 minutes before the peas are done. Drain and rinse after cooking.
    • With no soaking method, the peas are ready in about 40 minutes.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 168kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 12gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 597mgPotassium: 556mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 25IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 4mg
    Calories: 168kcal
    Course: Dessert, Lunch
    Cuisine: American, European
    Keywords: black-eyed pea recipe, how to cook black-eyed peas, how to cook dried black-eyed peas

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