Black-Eyed Peas

What Are Black-Eyed Peas?

Black-eyed peas (Vigna unguiculata) are a legume known for the seeds arranged inside their long, slender pods. In Türkiye, they are eaten both fresh (as green pods, like a vegetable) and dried (like a legume); they are a summer staple, especially in the Aegean region.

The fresh pods are also eaten; dried black-eyed peas are soaked and boiled like other legumes. The two forms are used in different recipes.

Black-Eyed Pea Nutrition Facts

One hundred grams of boiled dried black-eyed peas contain about 116 kcal, 7.7 g of plant-based protein, and 6.5 g of fiber. They are also a good source of iron and folate.

What Are the Benefits of Black-Eyed Peas?

Rich in fiber and plant-based protein, black-eyed peas are filling yet light and can be part of a balanced diet. Fresh black-eyed peas are low in calories, so they are a popular choice for vegetable-forward eating in summer.

This is general information; black-eyed peas are a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Black-Eyed Peas

For fresh black-eyed peas, look for firm pods and vivid color; for dried peas, look for intact seeds.

• Fresh pods should be bright green and snap audibly when broken.
• The seeds inside the pods should still be small and tender; larger seeds have become tough.
• Dried black-eyed peas should have few broken seeds and little dust.

How to Store Black-Eyed Peas

Fresh black-eyed peas stay fresh for 3–4 days in a perforated bag in the refrigerator. Dried black-eyed peas can be stored for up to 1 year in a sealed container in a cool, dark cupboard; cooked black-eyed peas can be refrigerated for 3–4 days.

How to Use Black-Eyed Peas in the Kitchen

Fresh black-eyed peas are cut into pieces with their pods and cooked in olive oil; dried black-eyed peas are soaked and boiled for salads, soups, or other dishes.

How to Make Olive-Oil Black-Eyed Peas

Trim the fresh pods and cut them into 3–4 cm pieces. Cook them over low heat in their own juices with onion, tomato, and olive oil for 25–30 minutes. Serve cold.

How to Cook Dried Black-Eyed Peas

Soak the dried peas in water for 2–3 hours, then drain. After bringing them to a boil in plenty of water, simmer over low heat for 30–40 minutes, until tender.

Which Recipes Use Black-Eyed Peas?

Some of the most commonly prepared dishes are olive-oil black-eyed peas, black-eyed pea salad, black-eyed peas with meat, and black-eyed pea soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between fresh and dried black-eyed peas?

Fresh black-eyed peas are cooked like a vegetable with their immature green pods; dried black-eyed peas are fully mature seeds that have been dried and are soaked and boiled like other legumes.

What are black-eyed peas good for?

They are rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and iron, and are a nutritious part of a balanced diet. They are a food; no claim is made that they cure any disease.

Are black-eyed peas sometimes confused with cranberry beans?

Although they are sometimes confused visually, they are different species. Black-eyed pea pods are longer and thinner, and their seeds have a different flavor.

Can dried black-eyed peas be cooked without soaking?

They can be cooked without soaking, but the cooking time is considerably longer; soaking softens the seeds and shortens the cooking time.

Can fresh black-eyed peas be frozen?

Yes. Fresh black-eyed peas can be cleaned, cut, briefly blanched, and then stored in the freezer for several months.