Seasoned Deep Fried Black Eyed Peas Food

SEASONED DEEP-FRIED BLACK-EYED PEAS

Steps:

• In deep 2-quart saucepan, heat oil to 325°F. Line plate with layers of paper towels to absorb oil after cooking peas.
• Carefully place peas in hot oil; cook 3 to 4 minutes.
• Using wire strainer or skimmer, transfer peas to plate. Immediately sprinkle with seasoning.

FRIED BLACK-EYE PEAS

Steps:

• Place the bacon in a large, deep skillet, and cook over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain the bacon slices on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Mash the black-eye peas in a bowl with a fork. Crumble the bacon into the peas, and stir in the shallot, red peppers, and enough flour to make the mixture stick together. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Form the black-eye pea mixture into 4 patties.
• Melt the butter with the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties until golden brown and crispy on each side, about 4 minutes per side.

SOUTHERN-STYLE BLACK-EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Soak black-eyed peas in a bowl of water for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
• Heat oil in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic in the hot oil until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add smoked ham hocks and water. Bring to a boil. Cover, lower heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 hour.
• Drain peas and add to the pot along with seasoned salt, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, red pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Cover, lower heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 hour. Uncover the pot and cook until beans are tender, about 30 minutes more. Remove bay leaves and ham hocks before serving.

FRIED BLACK-EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Soak peas in a bowl of cold water for 3 hours. Drain, and pat dry. Whisk together sugar, 1 tablespoon salt, and the pimenton.
• Heat oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat until it reaches 375 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Working in batches, fry peas until golden and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined tray. Drain for about 30 seconds. Immediately transfer peas to a large bowl, and sprinkle with sugar mixture. Toss lightly to coat.

CHICKEN SMOTHERED WITH BLACK-EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Sprinkle a total of about 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mix evenly on the chicken pieces, patting it in by hand. Combine 1 tablespoon plus 2½ teaspoons of the seasoning mix with the flour in a plastic or paper bag, mixing well. Set aside.
• In a large skillet heat ½-inch oil to 350º over high heat. Just before frying, dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Fry the hen in the hot oil (large pieces and skin side down first) until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. (Adjust heat as needed to maintain the oil's temperature at about 350º.) Drain on paper towels and set aside.
• In a 5½ quart saucepan or large Dutch oven, melt the fat over high heat. Add the bacon and cook just until it starts to get crisp, about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often. Stir in the onions, celery, bay leaves and 1 teaspoon of Tabasco. Cook until vegetables start to get tender, about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the peas, 2 tablespoons plus ½ teaspoon seasoning mix and the sage, stirring well. Cook until all the oil and juice is absorbed and mixture starts sticking excessively, about 2 to 4 minutes, stirring often. Add the stock, chicken pieces and remaining 1 tablespoon Tabasco. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until chicken and peas are tender, about 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. (Note: Cooking time will vary according to toughness of chicken.) If desired, adjust seasoning toward the end of cooking time with additional seasoning mix. To serve, place 1 to 2 pieces of chicken on each plate. Mound about ½ cup rice to the side, then top the rice with about ½ cup peas. Spoon extra sauce over the peas and chicken.