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Introducing a fantastic twist on the classic hummus: Black Eyed Pea Hummus. It’s a delightful twist on traditional hummus, using black eyed peas instead of chickpeas. This dish is not only a nod to Southern traditions, where black eyed peas are eaten on New Year’s Day for good luck, but it’s also a creamy, flavorful spread that’s perfect for any day of the year. And the best part? You don’t even need tahini to whip this up!
Eating black eyed peas on New Year’s Day is a cherished Southern tradition. Why not add this Black Eyed Pea Hummus to your New Year’s menu? It pairs wonderfully with other festive New Year’s recipes like savory Roasted Cabbage or hearty Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls, and complements either fluffy Corn Muffins or classic Cornbread perfectly.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Black Eyed Pea Hummus Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Made with everyday items you likely already have in your pantry.
- No Tahini Needed: Easy to whip up without the need for tahini.
- Flavorful: A delightful blend of garlic and spices for a tasty twist.
- Healthy Snack: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a nutritious option.
- Versatile: Perfect as a dip, spread, or a flavorful addition to meals.
The Significance Of Black Eyed Peas For New Year’s
Eating black eyed peas on New Year’s is a tradition with roots in the Civil War era. When Union troops swept through the South, they left behind black eyed peas, considering them unfit for human consumption. Ironically, these peas, which are actually beans, were nutrient-rich and became a staple that helped many Southerners survive.
Named for their distinctive appearance, black eyed peas are believed to bring good luck due to their resemblance to coins. As they swell during cooking, they symbolize increasing wealth in the new year. This enduring tradition not only offers a symbol of hope and prosperity but also connects us to a significant historical period.
RELATED: 20 Single Serving Meatless Meals
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Black eyed Peas: Our recipe calls for 2 (15-ounce) cans of black-eyed peas. They are pantry staples, perfect for impromptu hummus cravings. Their convenient canned form ensures easy availability and storage. Got leftover black eyed peas? Use them to make Cowboy Caviar.
- Garlic: Incorporate 1 clove of garlic for a flavorful kick. For better blending, chop or mince the garlic before adding it to your blender or food processor.
- Olive Oil: The recipe uses extra virgin olive oil, known for being the least processed and highest quality. It retains a robust olive flavor and more nutrients from olives, enhancing the overall taste and healthiness of the hummus. Alternatively, a lighter olive oil can be used.
- Lemon Juice and White Wine Vinegar: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred for its vibrant flavor. However, bottled lemon juice is a suitable substitute if needed.
- Seasonings: A combination of ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper adds depth and warmth to the hummus.
Recipe Variations
Shake up your hummus with these fun ideas:
- Spicy Hummus: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Herb Infused: Blend in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
- Roasted Garlic: For a gentler, sweeter taste, use roasted garlic, much like we do in our Rosemary and Garlic Biscuits recipe. Roasting the garlic adds depth and richness to the hummus.
- Sun-Dried Tomato: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Lime & Cilantro: Swap lemon juice for lime and add chopped cilantro.
How To Make Black Eyed Pea Hummus
Transforming traditional hummus into a unique Black Eyed Pea Hummus is simple and rewarding. Starting with the foundation of classic hummus ingredients, I replaced chickpeas with canned black eyed peas for convenience and a unique flavor profile. To elevate the taste further, I introduced smoked paprika, which imparts a delightful smoky essence to the hummus.
This version of hummus maintains the creamy texture and health benefits we all love, while offering a delicious twist on the classic. It’s an ideal dip for pita chips, tortilla chips, or sliced veggies like carrots. It also pairs wonderfully as a spread on a chicken or turkey wrap for a protein-rich snack or light meal.
For those who enjoy the distinct taste of black eyed peas, I also recommend trying our simple single serving Black Eyed Peas recipe, perfect for a quick and nutritious meal.
Expert Tips
- Balanced Flavors: To ensure a harmonious blend of flavors, start with the recommended amounts of garlic, lemon juice, and spices. Then, taste and adjust accordingly. Sometimes, a little extra lemon juice or a pinch more salt can make all the difference in bringing out the hummus’s flavors.
- Chill for Best Taste: After blending and if possible, let the hummus chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a richer, more cohesive taste.
- Smooth Consistency: For an ultra-smooth texture, blend the hummus for at least a minute. Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor. This extended blending time ensures that all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth, giving your hummus a professional-quality texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, cook them according to package instructions before using.
Absolutely, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
It pairs well with vegetables, crackers, or as a spread in sandwiches.
Explore More Hummus Varieties
If you’re a fan of hummus, here are two other must-try recipes that cater to diverse tastes and preferences:
- Classic Hummus: Discover the timeless taste of traditional hummus, a blend of chickpeas, tahini, garlic, and lemon juice. It’s a versatile staple perfect for any occasion.
- Black Bean Hummus: Experience a different take with our Black Bean Hummus, offering a rich and earthy flavor profile. It’s an excellent alternative for those looking to explore beyond the classic version.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this black eyed pea hummus recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
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Small Batch Black Eyed Pea Hummus
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 (15.5 ounce) canned black eyed peas -rinsed and drained
- 1 clove garlic -chopped
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Instructions
- Blend all of the ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
Notes
- Balanced Flavors: To ensure a harmonious blend of flavors, start with the recommended amounts of garlic, lemon juice, and spices. Then, taste and adjust accordingly. Sometimes, a little extra lemon juice or a pinch more salt can make all the difference in bringing out the hummus’s flavors.
- Chill for Best Taste: After blending and if possible, let the hummus chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a richer, more cohesive taste.
- Smooth Consistency: For an ultra-smooth texture, blend the hummus for at least a minute. Pause occasionally to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor. This extended blending time ensures that all ingredients are thoroughly combined and smooth, giving your hummus a professional-quality texture.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I add a tablespoon of peanut butter. It serves the same purpose as tahini in the traditional chickpea hummus. And, after all, anyone who has black-eyed peas in their pantry is highly likely to have peanut butter on hand.
Made this recipe from our leftover Black-Eyed Peas from New Years Day! Yummy!!
Hi Sherry,
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Happy New Year!!
Joanie