Monday night, I put a pound of blackeyed peas in the crockpot. I had never used the crockpot for beans or peas, only the cast iron Dutch oven. Well, this was a fail.
To avoid the gas-causing effects of peas and beans, I put the peas on with water, bring to a boil, turn the heat off, let sit for at least and hour (maybe longer), pour into a colander, rinse the peas well, rinse pot, return beans to pot with more water and cook until tender.
In order the counteract the gassy effect of eating peas, I decided to use baking soda like I have read that people do. Well, it seems the baking soda goes in the soaking phase. Since I missed that window and they were cooking, I decided to take my chances.
Now, I cannot go out in public!
On the plus side, maybe, the beans are all intact. Usually, the high heat, I suppose, of the stove causes the beans to just fall to pieces. I don't mind the sort of broken, mushy peas. Others do. If I had soaked the beans first, then cooked, this would be a picture perfect pot of peas!
As it was, I ate a bowl of peas with catsup at lunch and another at dinner. Yes, catsup on both bowls. I rarely use catsup on my blackeyed peas, but in the absence of sweet potatoes and turnip greens, I decided to use my childhood way of eating the peas.
I told my two Mexican friends about eating blackeyed peas on New Year's Eve for good luck in the New Year. They were not impressed or willing to try them.
Early in the morning of NYE, I will have a teaspoon of these for the good luck, but will NOT indulge at all the rest of the day. Someone might come in contact with me during the day or on New Year's Day. That would be unpleasant and embarrassing for me.
Next time, I might use the crockpot. I certainly will soak them before cooking!
Your turn
Are you having blackeye peas for good luck?
The love of blackeyed peas passed me by. They're on my short list of things I genuinely don't like - but I hope you get the peas of your dreams, gas-less and perfectly cooked. You can have mine, too.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year and God bless!
Cherdo,
DeleteThat means more blackeyed peas for me! I will get it right next time. This is the first time I have not soaked blackeyed peas.
Happy New Year!
Yes! Black eyed peas cooked in hog jowl, collard greens, ham and cornbread.
ReplyDeleteAnne,
DeleteSaid like a true Southerner! I probably won't have cornbread because there will only be me, and I don't need it.
Happy New Year!
I'm soaking beans for taco soup tomorrow. I usually soak overnight or cook in my pressure cooker. I also rinse them.
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
DeleteI have never heard of taco soup. Do you have the recipe on your blog? Rinsing is the key!
I got the recipe from another blog. Here's the link
Deletehttp://theprudenthomemaker.com/taco-soup
I've never heard of black eyed peas for good luck but I have cooked them in the slow cooker.
ReplyDeletekylie,
DeleteIt is a Southern US tradition. What do you do to prevent beans causing gas?
I soak first then cook in fresh water. Not sure if it works!
DeleteTaco soup is excellent, by the way. It's easy, tasty, cheap and reheats well.
kylie,
DeleteI think I need the recipe for taco soup!
I adore fresh black eyed peas but don't much care for the dried ones. I only eat catsup on 2 things. I like to dip a grilled cheese sandwich in it and the 2nd?
ReplyDeleteBlack eyed peas!
Janet,
DeleteI have never had fresh blackeyed peas...hmmm.
I like catsup on fries and blackeyed peas. Usually, I leave them off the peas when I have a meal. Dipping a grilled cheese in catsup would never occur to me.
I make a pot of black-eyed peas and the leftover ham bone from Christmas every New Years. Serve with corn bread. I usually soak but have heard with the crock pot you don't have to since they break down in the cooking. If I use baking soda in the soak, I always rinse the beans before using.
ReplyDeleteJane,
DeleteWell, I am here to tell you that soaking is necessary even when using the crockpot! I decided to have boneless pork chops bought on sale months ago.
Yes, right now my partner is cooking up more beans than imaginable. They better bring luck for we are going to be eating them for some time.
ReplyDeleteUr-spo,
DeleteIf I had to eat beans, at least I do love them. Love your blog!