Quick and Delicious Canned Black Eyed Peas
When you need a hearty and soul-warming dish in a pinch, these Quick and Delicious Canned Black Eyed Peas come to the rescue. Packed with flavor, this Southern-inspired staple is incredibly easy to prepare and is a perfect side or main dish when time is short. It delivers all the earthy goodness of traditional slow-cooked beans, but without the wait.
Whether you’re whipping this up for a last-minute dinner or meal prepping for the week, canned black-eyed peas prove just how versatile and flavorful pantry staples can be. With just a few simple additions, you can elevate these humble beans into a bowl of comfort that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Quick and Delicious Canned Black Eyed Peas
This recipe is a celebration of simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients and just one pot. The prep takes less than 10 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and still delivers bold, smoky flavor. Whether you’re vegan, vegetarian, or a meat-eater, this dish can easily be adapted to fit your taste.
Can I Just Use Any Canned Black Eyed Peas?
While you can use any canned variety, low-sodium or no-salt-added black-eyed peas are the best base since they allow you to control the seasoning. Be sure to rinse them well to remove the starchy liquid, which can otherwise dull the flavor of the final dish. Organic options often have a firmer texture and cleaner taste, but any well-drained can will work beautifully.
Ingredients for the Quick and Delicious Canned Black Eyed Peas
With just a few pantry staples, you can transform a can of beans into something crave-worthy. These ingredients build a smoky, savory flavor base that perfectly complements the earthy beans.
- Canned black eyed peas
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Garlic cloves
- Smoked paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- Vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper
- Chopped parsley or green onions (optional for garnish)

How To Make the Quick and Delicious Canned Black Eyed Peas
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Season the Base
Stir in the smoked paprika and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This combination brings warmth and a subtle smokiness that makes the beans sing.
Step 3: Add the Peas and Broth
Pour in the drained and rinsed black eyed peas, followed by the vegetable broth. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Let It Simmer
Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Add salt and pepper to taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and top with fresh parsley or chopped green onions for a bright finish.
How to Serve and Store Quick and Delicious Canned Black Eyed Peas
This recipe feeds about 4 people as a side dish or 2 as a main. Serve it warm over rice, spooned onto cornbread, or alongside grilled meats. For a full vegetarian plate, try it with roasted sweet potatoes or a crisp green salad.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 2 months, making it a great option for make-ahead meals.
What to Serve With Quick and Delicious Canned Black Eyed Peas?
Rice or Quinoa
Grains are a natural pairing that make this a complete meal.
Cornbread
Nothing beats the combo of peas and a warm slice of Southern-style cornbread.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
The sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes balances the savory beans.
Sauteed Greens
Add a healthy bite with mustard, collard, or turnip greens.
Grilled Sausages
Smoked or spicy sausages turn this into a heartier main course.
Fried Green Tomatoes
For Southern charm on your plate, they bring a crunchy tang.
Baked Mac and Cheese
Creamy and comforting, it rounds out a soul food-style meal.
Want More Bean Recipes That Satisfy?
If you’re into hearty dishes like this, you’ll love these other recipes from my kitchen:
- Cajun Potato Soup is rich, cozy, and packed with spicy flavor.
- Mediterranean White Beans and Greens for a zesty and wholesome combo.
- Creamy Corn Dip makes a perfect creamy and cheesy party addition.
- Sausage and Spinach Frittata for a protein-rich option any time of day.
- Sweet Potato Curry when you’re craving warmth with a hint of spice.
Save This Recipe For Later
đŸ“Œ Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
Let me know in the comments how you made this one your own. Did you add bacon, jalapenos, or maybe a touch of hot sauce?
I love hearing your tweaks and seeing your kitchen creations. Don’t be shy—ask questions and share your tips too.
Explore even more health-boosting comfort food and cozy bowls at Zoe Recipes on Pinterest!

Quick and Delicious Canned Black Eyed Peas
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This quick and delicious canned black eyed peas recipe is a simple Southern-style dish made with pantry staples. It’s the perfect vegetarian side or main, packed with smoky flavor, and ready in under 20 minutes. Ideal for weeknights or make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Pinch cayenne pepper
2 cans black eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 cup vegetable broth
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in smoked paprika and cayenne pepper.
5. Add the drained and rinsed black eyed peas and pour in vegetable broth.
6. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes.
7. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
9. Serve hot as a side or main dish.
10. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Notes
Use low-sodium canned beans for better seasoning control.
For extra richness, stir in a small knob of butter at the end.
Add diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg


