Simple Black Eyed Peas with Andouille Sausage Recipe

Name: Simple Black Eyed Peas with Andouille Sausage
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 cup dried black-eyed peas; 8 ounces andouille sausage, sliced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); Salt and pepper to taste

Published: January 20, 2026

by Mira

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Black Eyed Peas with Andouille Sausage Fresh

One of the most compelling reasons to love this recipe is its incredible flavor profile. The smoky, spicy notes from the andouille sausage perfectly complement the earthy richness of black-eyed peas, creating a dish that’s bursting with taste. It’s an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance with delight.

Another reason you’ll adore this dish is its simplicity and ease of preparation. With just a few key ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this hearty meal in no time. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep; you can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze it for later!

Lastly, this recipe offers versatility in serving. You can enjoy it as a main dish or as a side, making it suitable for various occasions. Pair it with cornbread or serve over rice for a filling meal that caters to everyone’s tastes.

Key Ingredients

Simple Black Eyed Peas with Andouille Sausage Fresh ingredients

To create this mouthwatering Simple Black Eyed Peas with Andouille Sausage, you’ll need some essential ingredients that contribute to its unique flavor and texture.

Black-Eyed Peas: These legumes are the star of the dish, known for their creamy texture and mild flavor.
Andouille Sausage: A smoked sausage that adds depth and spice to the dish, giving it an authentic Southern flair.
Onion: Provides aromatic sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile when sautéed.
Garlic: Adds a robust flavor and aroma that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Chicken Broth: Serves as the cooking liquid, infusing moisture and savory depth into the peas.
Cayenne Pepper: Offers an extra kick of heat; adjust according to your preference.
Pepper and Salt: Essential seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors in the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rinse and Soak: Start by rinsing 1 cup of dried black-eyed peas under cold water. If time allows, soak them in water for 4-6 hours or overnight to reduce cooking time.
Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of oil. Sauté 1 chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add Sausage: Slice 8 ounces of andouille sausage into rounds and add them to the pot. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Peas and Broth: Stir in the soaked black-eyed peas along with 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil before reducing heat to low.
Simmer: Cover the pot and let simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Season: Finally, season your dish with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste. Serve hot!

Expert Tips

If you want your black-eyed peas to be extra creamy, consider using canned black-eyed peas instead of dried ones; just reduce cooking time accordingly! Cooking them slowly over low heat helps meld all those wonderful flavors together, so resist the urge to rush through this step. For added depth, simmer your dish longer if you have time; this allows all flavors to develop fully. Lastly, dare to customize!You can incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots according to your preference without compromising integrity!

Presentation Ideas

A beautiful presentation can elevate any home-cooked meal! To serve Simple Black Eyed Peas with Andouille Sausage creatively, consider ladling portions into vibrant bowls garnished with freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Pair it with warm cornbread served on wooden boards alongside small jars filled with butter or honey for an inviting touch. You might also choose rustic plates topped with slices of lemon or lime on the side—offering zingy brightness while enhancing visuals!

FAQs

Can I use fresh black-eyed peas instead of dried?

You can absolutely use fresh black-eyed peas! Fresh legumes will cook more quickly than dried ones—typically taking around 20-25 minutes when simmered in broth—as they don’t require soaking beforehand. Adjust your cooking time according to how tender you’d like them while ensuring not overcook for optimal texture!

This dish seems spicy; can I adjust the heat level?

If you’re concerned about spice levels in your Simple Black Eyed Peas with Andouille Sausage, feel free to modify ingredients accordingly! Omitting cayenne pepper will decrease heat significantly; alternatively substituting mild sausage may help keep flavors balanced without overwhelming spiciness while still providing delicious smoky undertones necessary here!

How do I store leftovers?

Your leftover black-eyed peas can be stored conveniently! Allow them cool completely before transferring them into airtight containers where they can remain refrigerated up until four days safely—or freeze portions up until three months if desired! Reheat thoroughly before serving again—adding water if necessary should they become thick upon reheating!

This sounds great! Can I make it vegetarian?

You certainly can! For a vegetarian version swap out traditional sausage entirely—utilizing plant-based alternatives such as tempeh bacon or smoked tofu instead will provide similar smokiness without meat products involved at all while maintaining satisfying heartiness needed here! Also consider using vegetable broth rather than chicken broth as well!