If you’re craving a dish that combines bold flavors with comforting heartiness, this Black Eyed Peas with Sausage and Jalapeños Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together spicy sausage, smoky cumin, and the subtle heat of fresh jalapeños, all simmered with tender black eyed peas to create a dish bursting with warmth and zest. Perfect for family dinners or friendly gatherings, this recipe balances spice and savoriness beautifully while providing a satisfying, soulful meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward, but every ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the spicy sausage that adds richness to the fresh jalapeños that bring a lively kick, you’ll find each component elevates the dish in its own way.
- Ground hot pork sausage: Provides the savory, spicy base and a succulent texture that makes the dish hearty.
- Dried minced onion: Adds depth and sweetness without the moisture of fresh onions.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Gives a fragrant punch, enhancing the overall taste.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors and bringing out the richness.
- Cumin: Offers a smoky, earthy aroma that complements the sausage perfectly.
- Dried sage: Adds a gentle herbal note that rounds out the spices.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that tenderizes the peas and keeps everything moist.
- Frozen black-eyed peas: The heart of the dish; their creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the spicy elements.
- Jalapeños (diced, stems and seeds removed): Infuses the dish with fresh heat and a slightly crisp bite without overwhelming it.
How to Make Black Eyed Peas with Sausage and Jalapeños Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and cooking your ground hot pork sausage until it loses its pink color. This step builds the essential savory foundation for the dish. Once browned, drain the fat to keep the stew from becoming greasy while letting the rich sausage flavor stay concentrated.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Peas
Next, add the dried minced onion, minced garlic, salt, cumin, dried sage, chicken broth, frozen black-eyed peas, and diced jalapeños right into the pot with the sausage. Give everything a good stir to combine all those wonderful spices and ingredients. Then, turn the heat up and bring it to a boil, allowing the flavors to begin melding together.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Reduce the heat to low so the mixture gently simmers. Let it cook uncovered until the liquid reduces by about half, which usually takes 30 to 40 minutes. This slow simmer thickens the stew and allows the black-eyed peas to soften perfectly, soaking up all the savory and spicy goodness.
How to Serve Black Eyed Peas with Sausage and Jalapeños Recipe
Garnishes
For a final touch, consider garnishing your dish with chopped fresh cilantro or green onions. A dollop of sour cream or shredded cheddar cheese can also soften the heat from the jalapeños while adding a creamy element. These simple toppings amplify the experience without stealing the spotlight from the star ingredients.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with cornbread or fluffy white rice, which help soak up the spicy sauce. A crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables add a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty stew, making your meal balanced and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Black Eyed Peas with Sausage and Jalapeños Recipe in deep bowls for a cozy vibe, or get creative by stuffing the mixture inside large bell peppers and baking briefly to make fun and portable meals. You can also spoon it over baked potatoes for an extra comforting twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to continue to deepen, making reheated portions even tastier.
Freezing
If you want to make this Black Eyed Peas with Sausage and Jalapeños Recipe a time-saving staple, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool the stew completely before freezing, and label each container with the date for easy meal planning.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen portions overnight in the fridge, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If reheating from the fridge, microwave or stove-top gently to avoid drying out the dish, adding a splash of broth or water if needed for moisture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh black eyed peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh black eyed peas are a great alternative. Just keep in mind they may require slightly different cooking times, often shorter, depending on their freshness and size.
What can I substitute for hot pork sausage?
If you prefer something less spicy, spicy Italian sausage or even smoked turkey sausage work well here. You can also use mild sausage and add more jalapeños for heat control.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish has a pleasant kick from the jalapeños and hot sausage, but it isn’t overwhelming. If you want to dial up or down the heat, adjust the amount of jalapeños or remove the seeds to reduce spiciness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute sausage with smoked tempeh, seasoned tofu, or plant-based sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian while maintaining robust flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This Black Eyed Peas with Sausage and Jalapeños Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free sausage and broth. Always check labels to be sure, especially with processed ingredients.
Final Thoughts
Give this Black Eyed Peas with Sausage and Jalapeños Recipe a try the next time you want a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its balance of spicy and savory flavors is impressive yet simple, making it an all-time favorite to share with family and friends. Once you taste it, I’m confident it will quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals too!
Print
Black Eyed Peas with Sausage and Jalapeños Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
A hearty and flavorful dish featuring spicy ground sausage, tender black-eyed peas, and fresh jalapeños simmered together in savory chicken broth. Perfect for a comforting family meal with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1 (16-oz) roll ground hot pork sausage
Produce
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 jalapeños, diced (stems and seeds removed)
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 2 Tbsp dried minced onion
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp cumin
- 1 Tbsp dried sage
Liquids & Others
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 lb frozen black-eyed peas
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground hot pork sausage over medium heat until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pot to keep the dish from becoming too greasy.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in the dried minced onion, minced garlic cloves, salt, cumin, dried sage, chicken broth, frozen black-eyed peas, and diced jalapeños. Mix well to combine all flavors evenly.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered until the liquid has reduced by half and the peas are tender, about 30 to 40 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Notes
- For less heat, reduce the number of jalapeños or remove all seeds.
- Use fresh black-eyed peas if available; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Serve with rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day.
