Black Eyed Pea Pate Food

BLACK-EYED PEAS RECIPE

Steps:

• Optional: Place the black-eyed peas in a large bowl and add enough cold water to cover them. Soak overnight, then drain and rinse. (see notes)
• In a large Dutch Oven or heavy bottomed pot, heat the oil, over medium-high heat. Add the bacon and sausage, and cook until lightly browned, about 5 to 8 minutes. Then, stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
• Stir in the black eyed peas, salt, pepper and bay leaves. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover and simmer for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until the peas are tender.
• Remove about ½ cup of black-eyed peas and place in a bowl. Smash with a fork, then return the smashed peas to the pot. Cook on medium until the liquid thickens. Optional: Stir in the tomato paste if you prefer the broth to have a stronger color.
• At this point, you can add more liquid if you like saucy black-eyed peas or turn the heat up and wait for the liquid to evaporate, if you prefer them to be dryer.
• Discard the bay leaves and stir in the parsley and scallions. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed.
• Serve immediately!

BLACK-EYED PEA PATTIES

Steps:

• Saute the chopped onion in a bit of oil until translucent, then remove.
• In a large bowl, combine all ingredients (including the sauteed onion).
• Mash mixture (I use a large fork) until about half of the peas are completely mashed.
• Mold into patties about 2-3 inches across and 3/4 to 1 inch thick.
• In a skillet, heat about 1/2 inch oil on med-high.
• When the oil is hot, add patties.
• Cook until a medium brown crust forms on bottom (2-3 minutes), then turn and repeat.
• Remove to paper towel to absorb grease.
• Drizzle Ranch Dressing and your favorite barbecue sauce over the tops and serve.

BLACK-EYED PEAS WITH BACON AND PORK

Steps:

• If using dried black-eyed peas, put them in a large pot and cover with about 4 inches of water. Soak the peas overnight, then drain the water and rinse. Alternatively, you can "quick-soak" the peas by bringing them and the water to a boil for 2 minutes. After this, remove them from the heat, cover the pot and soak the peas for 1 hour. Then, drain and rinse the peas.
• Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the pork. Sear until the pork is browned on all sides, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the bacon, onion and garlic to the pot and cook, stirring, until the onion and garlic are lightly browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the salt, black pepper, cayenne and garlic powder. Cook until the entire mixture is coated with the spices, about 2 minutes. Pour in the stock and water and drop in the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes.
• When the pork begins to fall apart, add the prepared peas to the pot and simmer until the peas are very soft, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours (see Cook's Note).
• Taste for seasonings, and add some hot-pepper vinegar, if desired. Discard the bay leaves and transfer the black-eyed peas to a serving bowl.

BLACK-EYED PEA PATE

Steps:

• Cook the peas in the broth for 50-55 minutes until soft.
• Drain peas and put into food processor with the next 4 ingredients. Blend until smooth.
• Add the rest of the ingredients and blend well.
• Pour into wax paper lined loaf pan and chill overnight.
• Serve cold with tortilla or bagel chips.
• Variation: (my favorite) Fry the mixture into little patties in vegetable oil and serve with a spicy mango salsa while still warm.

BLACK EYED PEA FRITTERS

Steps:

• In a large, deep frying pan, heat about 1/2-inch of oil to 350 degrees F.
• Mash cooked peas in a large mixing bowl. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Shape into fritters, whatever size you desire. Carefully add fritters to the hot oil and fry until golden on 1 side. Carefully turn fritters over and continue frying until golden on the second side and cooked through in the middle. Remove and let drain on paper towels. Serve.