Black-eyed pea

Black-eyed pea

Legume Good year-round
Used in 14 of 203 cuisines (7%)

Earthy and hearty, black-eyed peas possess a creamy texture with a subtly sweet, nutty flavor. Their fresh aroma is reminiscent of Southern comfort food and traditional dishes, inviting warmth and nostalgia.

Where it comes from

Black-eyed peas have deep roots in Southern American cooking, where they are traditionally served on New Year's Day for good luck. Their journey began in Africa, where they were cultivated and brought to the Americas during the slave trade.

In the kitchen

Black-eyed peas are often simmered in stews, salads, or fried, providing protein and texture to dishes. Their ability to absorb flavors makes them a versatile addition to both traditional and contemporary recipes.

Across cuisines

Latvian

Grey peas (pelēkie zirņi) — the national legume; combined with bacon for pelēkie zirņi ar speķi, Latvia's national dish. Source: Wikipedia (Latvian cuisine).

Luxembourgish

Broad beans (Gaardebounen) — the legume in Judd mat Gaardebounen. Slow-cooked with bacon and onion. Source: Wikipedia (Judd mat Gaardebounen).

Ghanaian

Black-eyed peas are the canonical bean of red red — cooked until soft in palm-oil-tomato sauce, then served with fried plantain and gari (toasted cassava granules) on the side. Also used in waakye (the rice-and-beans dish with a distinctive reddish-brown color from millet leaves added to the cooking water).

Nutrition (per 100g)

~118kcalCal
~8.0gProtein
~0.4gFat
~20.0gCarbs
~6.0gFiber

AI-estimated; model and run unavailable.

Pairs well with

Flavor affinities

Seen in these dishes