What Does Black Eyed Pea Taste Like? You are probably thinking hold on this reminds of something. You are probably familiar with the worldwide superstars The Black Eyed Peas, but do you ever wonder where Will.I.Am, Fergie and co got their inspiration for the band name?
Well, without diving into music history, it’s likely that the humble black eyed pea played a role in this but much more than just being recognized as a band name, these little peas can form a healthy part of your diet.
Black eyed peas are, in fact, a type of bean and it isn’t clear as to why they are referred to as peas when they do not have the same sweet taste that a pea would have. In any case, if you want to get to know this bean a little better, allow us to acquaint you.
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What Does Black Eyed Pea Taste Like?
Most beans have that beanie taste and texture and black eyed peas are no different; this beaniness is of the first things you will notice upon trying this food. However, unlike some other beans, black eyed peas have a significantly more nutty flavor.
In addition to this, you will notice that there is a notable earthy quality to the taste that is far from anything like you would expect a ‘pea’ to taste like.
What’s The Difference Between Black Eyed Peas And Black Beans?
There are so many different varieties of beans and peas that it can feel incredibly overwhelming when trying to choose which ones to include in your recipe. While both may be described as ‘black’ the black eyed pea and the black bean are completely different legumes.
Black eyed peas have an off-white color while a black bean is white on the inside with a smooth black skin. They typically have a shape that is more similar to a kidney bean than a black eyed pea. That being said, if you run out of black eyed peas, it is perfectly acceptable to switch them for black beans.
What Is Good To Eat With Black Eyed Peas?
Black eyed peas may not look like much on their own but the good news is that these are fantastically versatile little legumes that will go well in a variety of dishes.
Black eyed peas have quite a strong flavor and as such, they pair well with other potent tastes like garlic and onions. In fact, frying them with these two flavors is one of the simplest ways to enjoy black eyed peas.
However, if you want to be a little more adventurous, you might try including black eyed peas in a stew or soup to give a boost of nutrients. When seasoning these types of dishes that include black eyed peas, you might consider using things like rosemary and oregano, both of which complement the taste of the peas perfectly.
Can You Cook Black Eyed Peas Without Soaking Them?
While it is common practice to soak legumes before eating, this isn’t’t always necessary when cooking black eyed peas. However, it might lessen the cooking time by up to an hour! But if you do not want to soak them, boiling them will take upwards of an hour.
Many people also opt to cook their black eyed peas using a pressure cooker and even if they have not been soaked previously, this can reduce the cooking time dramatically.
With the lengthy cooking time in mind, it may be worth cooking your black eyed peas in batches and storing them until you are ready to eat them.
How To Reheat Black Eyed Peas
If you have batch cooked your black eyed peas then you may eat them without reheating, however, most people prefer to eat them warm. The good news is that this is quick and simple and is perfect for a healthy evening snack or for on your lunch break.
One of the quickest and easiest ways to reheat the black eyed peas is to pop them into the microwave where they will be warm enough to eat in around one minute. However, it is also possible to reheat them on the stove in a small amount of boiling water which will take a few minutes at most
Health Benefits Of Black Eyed Peas
Many people neglect to include enough beans and legumes in their diets not fully understanding the nutritional benefits of doing so. But once you learn how advantageous black eyed peas can be to your health, you will see why making them a regular feature in your diet is important.
For starters, black eyed peas are very low in calories with half a cup containing just 99 calories. If you are monitoring your daily calorie intake and want foods that will fill you up but not use up your full count then black eyed peas might work well as a side dish or snack.
Furthermore, black eyed peas have absolutely no fat; that’s right, zero grams which is great for anyone who is taking part in a weight loss program. In addition, black eyed peas contain high levels of complex carbs which take longer to be broken down by the body meaning that weight loss is inevitable.
Black eyed peas may also help to improve your overall health. They contain high levels of fiber and this helps your body to absorb the many antioxidants found in black eyed peas.
Alongside all of these benefits, black eyed peas are filled with important vitamins and minerals such as iron, manganese, Vitamin K and folate among other things.
Summary
Black eyed peas are an often overlooked type of bean that have an incredible number of health benefits. By including them in your diet, they may help with weight loss and give your body a detox through antioxidants.
They have a very earthy and nutty taste that is very unique and owing to their strong flavor, these little beans will pair very well with other potent foods as well as working in stews, soups, and side dishes.
