YT Recipe

Southern Black-Eyed Peas

Southern Black-Eyed Peas is a medium Southern (American) recipe that serves 6. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by PlantbasedBrandon on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 2 hrs 26 min | Total: 2 hrs 56 min

Cost: $6.68 total, $1.11 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 Red Onion (diced)
  • 2 Celery Stalks (diced)
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 6 cups Black‑Eyed Peas (cooked, drained)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • to taste Smoked Paprika
  • to taste Cumin
  • to taste Onion Powder
  • to taste Garlic Powder
  • to taste Thyme (dried or fresh)
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1.5 tsp Liquid Smoke

Instructions

  1. Prep Vegetables

    Dice the red onion, celery stalks, and red bell pepper into bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil if desired, then add the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until softened, about 4–5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium

  3. Season Base

    Season the softened vegetables with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and thyme. Toss quickly until the spices are fully incorporated.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Add Garlic

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

    Time: PT1M

  5. Combine Peas and Remaining Seasoning

    Add the cooked black‑eyed peas to the pot. Re‑season with the same blend of spices, then add the bay leaves and liquid smoke.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Bring to a Boil

    Add enough water or vegetable broth to just cover the peas (about 2‑3 cups). Increase heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: High

  7. Long Simmer

    Reduce heat to low, cover, and let the peas simmer gently for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT2H

    Temperature: Low

  8. Thicken the Stew

    Remove the bay leaves, then mash a handful of peas against the side of the pot to release starches and thicken the broth.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Final Simmer

    Cover the pot again and simmer for an additional 10–15 minutes to let flavors meld.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Low

  10. Serve

    Remove from heat, discard any remaining bay leaves, and serve hot. Pair with cornbread for a complete Southern meal.

    Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
8 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free, Nut‑Free

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Southern Black-Eyed Peas

Recipe by PlantbasedBrandon

A hearty, plant‑based Southern classic made with black‑eyed peas, aromatic vegetables, and a smoky broth. Perfect for New Year’s traditions or any comforting meal, this dish is seasoned with smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, and a touch of liquid smoke for depth.

MediumSouthern (American)Serves 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
10m
Prep
2h 31m
Cook
19m
Cleanup
3h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$6.68
Total cost
$1.11
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Sauté vegetables until softened to develop flavor.
  • • Simmer peas for a full 2 hours for tenderness.
  • • Mashing a portion of peas to naturally thicken the broth.

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle the hot pot with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • • Be cautious when adding liquid smoke; a little goes a long way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Southern Black‑Eyed Peas in American Southern cuisine?

A

Black‑eyed peas have been a staple of Southern cooking for centuries, traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day for luck and prosperity. The dish traces back to African origins and became a symbol of hope and abundance in the American South.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Black‑Eyed Peas in Southern cuisine?

A

In the Deep South, peas are often cooked with pork (ham hocks or bacon) and served with collard greens. In vegan adaptations like this recipe, smoked paprika and liquid smoke replace the meat’s smoky flavor.

cultural
Q

How is Black‑Eyed Peas traditionally served in the Southern United States?

A

They are typically served hot, ladled over a plate of cornbread or alongside rice, and sometimes topped with a dash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Southern Black‑Eyed Peas traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Black‑eyed peas are most famously eaten on New Year’s Day for good luck, but they also appear at family gatherings, potlucks, and Southern holiday meals.

cultural
Q

What other Southern dishes pair well with Black‑Eyed Peas?

A

Classic pairings include buttery cornbread, collard greens, fried catfish, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

cultural
Q

What makes Southern Black‑Eyed Peas special or unique in Southern cuisine?

A

The combination of earthy peas, smoky seasoning, and a slow‑cooked broth creates a comforting, hearty dish that embodies the resourceful, flavor‑rich tradition of Southern home cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Southern Black‑Eyed Peas at home?

A

Common errors include under‑cooking the peas, over‑seasoning early (which can become bitter), and forgetting to mash some peas to achieve the proper thickened consistency.

technical
Q

Why does this Black‑Eyed Peas recipe use liquid smoke instead of smoked meat?

A

Liquid smoke provides the characteristic smoky depth while keeping the dish fully plant‑based, aligning with the vegan focus of the YouTube channel PlantbasedBrandon.

technical
Q

Can I make Southern Black‑Eyed Peas ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, the peas improve in flavor after resting. Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel PlantbasedBrandon specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel PlantbasedBrandon focuses on wholesome, plant‑based versions of classic comfort foods, offering approachable recipes that emphasize nutrition, flavor, and sustainability.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel PlantbasedBrandon's approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?

A

PlantbasedBrandon adapts traditional Southern dishes to be fully vegan, substituting animal‑based ingredients with plant‑based alternatives like liquid smoke, while preserving authentic flavors and cultural storytelling.

channel
More like this:Southern (American) RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by PlantbasedBrandon

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