Dive into the heart of Creole cuisine with our mouthwatering Smoked Sausage Creole with Black Eyed Peas! This dish is a symphony of flavors, combining smoky sausage with the earthy goodness of black eyed peas, all simmered to perfection in a rich, savory broth. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this recipe not only tantalizes the taste buds but also warms the soul. With just a little prep and a hands-on cooking time of under an hour, you'll be serving up a delicious, hearty meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Creole
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 cup black eyed peas, soaked
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the soaked black eyed peas thoroughly and drain them completely.
- In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté chopped onions and bell peppers until they become soft and translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the drained black eyed peas, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Return the browned smoked sausage to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer the dish for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until black eyed peas are tender and liquid has slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired, alongside rice or cornbread.
Tips
- Soak Your Peas: For the best texture, soak your black eyed peas overnight. If you're short on time, a quick soak in boiling water for an hour will also work.
- Sauté for Flavor: Don’t rush the sautéing process. Allow the onions and bell peppers to caramelize slightly for a deeper flavor profile.
- Customize Your Spice: Feel free to adjust the Cajun seasoning to your taste. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for an extra kick!
- Simmer Slowly: Letting the dish simmer for the full 35-40 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Serve with Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or cornbread. Consider garnishing with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Make it Ahead: This dish tastes even better the next day! Consider making it ahead of time and reheating for a quick and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
