Southern-style Black-eyed Peas for #SundaySupper

Name: Southern-style Black-eyed Peas
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 135 min
Ingredients: 1 pound dried black-eyed peas (16 ounces); 8 cups water; 1/2 pound sliced salt pork* (8 ounces); 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon pepper

April 7, 2013 By Renee 35 Comments

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Money is tight for a lot of folks these days. So many are watching their budgets closely and cutting spending. One of the ways I have been able to cut expenses is to cook at home more often. Going out to eat adds up even if it is only a couple of times a week. Getting back to basics is important. One of those basic recipes I have always enjoyed is Southern-style Black-eyed Peas.

Dried peas and beans are a staple in the South. They are inexpensive and make a filling contribution to a meal. Sometimes the meal is the peas or beans. A one pound bag of dried black-eyed peas cost about $1 and makes 8 to 10 servings (or more if you stretch it). Additional cost is for salt pork or bacon to flavor it although it is not necessary. A 12 ounce package of salt pork is about $3.50 and you only use 8 ounces of it. There is a tiny bit more cost with water, salt, and pepper. In total it is less than $5.00 for the whole batch.

To soak or not to soak? That was the question. I usually soak beans and peas overnight like for pinto beans or minestrone soup. I’ve heard black-eyed peas can be made without soaking. I wanted to be sure so I went directly to my experts; my mom and my mother-in-law. Both prepared them the same way. They do not soak them overnight. They both cook them low and slow for about 2 hours. They both use salt pork (also called fatback or streak-o-lean). After consulting with the experts, I knew I would have a winning recipe to share. Oh, and both serve them with chopped onions or chow chow on the side.

Are you looking for more budget friendly recipes? The talented Sunday Supper bloggers have plenty to share. Take a look at these low cost yet highly delicious recipes:

Starters, Soups, and Salads

Lentil Soup {Linsensuppe} from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Gado-gado from The Urban Mrs.
Ramping Up Instant Ramen from girlichef

Main

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Kadun Pika from The Foodie Army Wife
Mushroom and Artichoke Quiche with Red Pepper Puree from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
Pasta Carbonara from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
San Francisco Special Breakfast Burritos from Gourmet Drizzles
Chicken Divan from Simply Gourmet
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The Cod Puffs War {Duelo de Buñuelos de Bacalao} from My Cute Bride
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Pasta Puttanesca from Juanita’s Cocina
Hawaiian Grilled Cheese from Home Cooking Memories
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Browned Butter Pasta with Collards from Momma’s Meals
Turkey and Acini Di Pepe Skillet from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
Golden State Gourmet from Crazy Foodie Stunts
Buffalo Chicken Dip Quesadillas from Chocolate Moosey
Tonkatsu {Pork Cutlet} from Damn Delicious
Tarka Dal {Spicy Curry Lentils} from Food Lust People Love
Kung Pao Tofu from Ninja Baking
Roasted Honey Mustard Chicken from Mama’s Blissful Bites
Four-Cheese Risotto with Turkey Italian Sausage from The Weekend Gourmet
Chicken with Sauteed Asparagus and Lemons from The Lovely Pantry
Salvage-Your-Vegetables Frittata from Daddy Knows Less

Sides

English Baked Beans from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
Southern-style Black-eyed Peas from Magnolia Days
Classic Macaroni and Cheese from The Skinny Chick Can Bake!!!
Baked Beans from What Smells So Good?
Hearts of Palm Mix Rice from Basic N Delicious

Drinks and Desserts

Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Frappe from Peanut Butter and Peppers
Portuguese Rice Pudding {Arroz Doce} from Family Foodie

How do you cut back on food expense? Do you grow your own vegetables or cook more at home? Buy in bulk? Share your secrets in the comments below…

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Announcing the Food & Wine Conference sponsored by Sunday Supper!It’s being held July 19th – 21st in beautiful, sunny Orlando, FL. It’s a must for food bloggers. Check it out by clicking here → Food & Wine Conference

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