By Grace Elkus for Food Network Kitchen

Grace is a contributing writer at Food Network.

The soul food staple is incredibly versatile: it can be pureed into hummus, tossed into salads, stirred into soups, fried into fritters, folded into wraps and so much more. Here are our very best tips for cooking and serving them.

What Are Black Eyed Peas?

Despite their name, black eyed peas are actually beans. A subspecies of the cowpea, black eyed peas have an earthy, slightly sweet flavor and firm texture, and pair well with greens (like collard greens), ham hocks, onion, garlic and tomatoes. Though they’re eaten worldwide, they’re commonly associated with the American South, because according to folklore they saved the south from famine.

Of course, that’s not the only piece of folklore surrounding black-eyed peas. It’s commonly believed that if eaten on New Year's Day, they'll bring you prosperity in the upcoming year. Some say it’s the swelling of the simmering peas that symbolizes prosperity, while others say the peas represent coins (and the accompanying greens represent dollars).

How to Cook Black Eyed Peas

Follow this step-by-step guide to cook dried black eyed peas. In a pinch, substitute canned or frozen and thawed black eyed peas.

Step 1: Sort and Rinse

Pick over the peas and remove any small stones, imperfect peas or other debris. Rinse the peas under cold water.

Step 2: Soak the Peas

Place the peas in a large pot and cover with about 4 inches of water. Soak the peas overnight. Alternatively, “quick-soak” the peas by boiling them for 2 minutes, removing from the heat, and soaking them, covered, for 1 hour.

Step 3: Drain and Rinse

Drain the water and rinse the peas.

Step 4: Simmer until Tender

Simmer the peas in stock or water until tender but not mushy, about 1 hour.

How Long to Cook Black Eyed Peas

Soaking black eyed peas not only quickens the cooking process, it also aids in digestibility. Soaked black eyed peas take about 45 minutes to 1 1/2 hours to cook, depending on the age of the beans, how long they were soaked for and how soft you prefer them. If you’re starting with frozen black eyed peas, microwave until thawed before adding them to your dish.

Black Eyed Peas Nutrition

Black eyed peas are an excellent source of fiber and folate. They also contain 14 grams of protein per cup, versus 9 grams per cup for other types of peas.

Black Eyed Peas Recipes

You’re likely familiar with Hoppin' John and Cowboy Caviar, but have you ever tried slow cooking black eyed peas with smoked pork shoulder, or sautéing black eyed peas with fresh salsa? Read on for some of our favorite preparations:

Black-Eyed Pea SoupSautéing the vegges in bacon fat infuses every bite of this soup with meaty flavor — not to mention there’s a ham hock tossed in, too.

Texas Black-Eyed PeasStarting with frozen and thawed peas means this simple side dish — which receives glowing reviews — comes together in just 15 minutes.

Tex-Mex Rice and Black-Eyed Peas

In this hearty meatless meal, black eyed peas are cooked in salsa until creamy and tender, then spooned over rice and topped with cheese and avocado. What’s not to love?

Slow-Cooker Barbecue Ham and Black-Eyed Peas

A simple homemade barbecue sauce provides savory-sweet flavor to this slow-cooked meal. For a pretty presentation, top with fresh thyme before serving.

​​Red Red

This rendition of Ghanaian Red Red includes red bell pepper for sweetness. Serve with fried plantains, steamed white rice, or yams, sweet potatoes or cassava.

Related Links:

36 Anything-But-Basic Bean Recipes
Warming Soups and Stews43 Vegetarian Recipes Everyone Will Love