Hi there! I’m excited to share with you my go-to black eyed peas recipe for canning. Canning is a great way to preserve food, and it’s so satisfying watching the jars fill up as you work away in the kitchen. Plus, canned foods are super convenient when you want something quickly – like making a delicious soup or side dish using your homemade canned ingredients. In this article, I’ll explain exactly how to make and can black eyed peas at home – let’s get started!
Gather Your Ingredients
I’m so excited to share this canning black eyed peas recipe with you! Before we get started, let’s gather our ingredients. First, you’ll need a pound of dried black-eyed peas. You may also want to purchase some salt and spices for seasoning the beans if desired.
Next, make sure you have the necessary canning equipment like jars, lids, rings, a pot for boiling water or steam bath processing, and other tools that are needed for safe food preservation. To prepare your black-eyed peas before cooking them in a jar, there are two methods: soaking overnight or using the quick soak method. Overnight soaking is recommended as it allows the beans to absorb more liquid which helps reduce their cooking time afterwards.
Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients and supplies, we’re ready to move onto the next step of preparing these delicious black-eyed peas!
Preparing The Peas
Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to start preparing the black-eyed peas. The first step is soaking them before cooking. There are a few methods available for this process: overnight soak, quick soak or no soak. Overnight soak involves placing the beans in cold water and letting them sit overnight; quick soak requires bringing the beans to a boil then removing from heat and allowing them to sit covered for an hour; while no-soak simply skips this step altogether. It really comes down to personal preference as each method has its own pros and cons.
Once your peas are soaked (or not!), you can season them however you’d like! Different spices bring out different flavor profiles which means there’s something for everyone here. For example, if you want something savory with a bit of kick try adding garlic powder, cayenne pepper, thyme, onion powder, paprika and sea salt. If you prefer a more mellow taste opt for oregano, sage and rosemary instead. Whatever combination of seasonings you decide on make sure they complement each other well so the final dish tastes great!
The next step is cooking – but don’t worry if this seems daunting as it’s actually quite simple once you get started. You’ll need to know how long to cook the peas depending on whether they’ve been pre-soaked or not – be sure to check online recipes for exact times since these will vary based on altitude and elevation too!
Preparing The Jars
I’m about to show you how to prepare the jars for canning black eyed peas. It’s important to follow safety protocols when canning, so let’s start by sterilizing our jars and lids. You’ll want to make sure each lid is properly sealed before using it – I like to check around the edges and ensure there aren’t any dents or cracks in the lids. To get started with sterilization, fill a large pot halfway with water and bring it up to a boil. Place your jars and lids into the boiling water for 10 minutes, then carefully remove them from the heat source. Now that your containers are clean and sterile, they’re ready for use!
It’s important to practice proper canning safety techniques at all times when making these recipes. When working with hot liquids, wear gloves or an oven mitts as extra protection against burns. Make sure that sharp objects such as knives don’t come into contact with food being canned – this will help prevent bacteria growth during storage. Additionally, always leave some head room between the top of your jar and its contents; an inch of open space should do it!
Now that everything is prepped and ready to go, we can move on with making our delicious recipe for black eyed peas!
Processing The Jars
Now that the beans have been cooked and canned, it’s time to process those jars. Before you do so, make sure your workspace is clean and sterile – this will help ensure your safety when canning. Start by sterilizing all of the jars in boiling water for at least 10 minutes. Be mindful to use tongs or other utensils when handling hot glassware as it can cause burns if handled with bare hands! Once finished, take a moment to review proper canning safety procedures such as wearing protective clothing like gloves and glasses while pouring boiling liquid into the jar.
Next, carefully fill each jar with black-eyed peas ensuring there is enough head space between the top of the food and lid of the jar. Wipe off any residue from around the rim before securely affixing lids on each jar. Place filled jars onto a rack inside boiling water bath which should be covered up to its neck line with additional water. Boil for about 30 minutes making sure water remains one inch above tops of jars during entire processing period. After done boiling, remove them carefully using tongs and let cool undisturbed until sealed tight – usually takes 12 hours or more depending on altitude level.
When ready to store cans away make sure they are secured tightly closed without cracks or chips otherwise discard immediately. Store processed items in a cool dry place away from direct sources of heat or sun light for best results – this way you won’t compromise food quality over time due to extended storage periods. Enjoy your homemade black eyed peas knowing that you took extra care in preserving their flavor and nutritional value!
Storing And Enjoying Your Canned Peas
Storing and enjoying your canned black-eyed peas is an easy, delicious way to feel good about the food on your plate. I’m sure that you can’t wait to get creative with them! With their rich flavor and versatile texture, there are countless possibilities when it comes to exploring all sorts of recipes. From savory dishes like gumbo or hoppin’ John, to sweet treats like cake, these little gems will never let you down.
When serving up a batch of freshly made black-eyed peas, think beyond the traditional side dish; try experimenting with different flavors and food pairings for added depth and complexity. A dollop of olive oil or garlic butter adds some zing to the mix while complementing their earthy notes beautifully. Alternatively, topping them off with some honey glaze gives the perfect balance of sweet and salty flavors – irresistible!
For those looking for more subtle variations in taste, herbs such as rosemary or thyme add a delightful herby element without being overpowering. Additionally, mixing in some other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers creates a hearty medley that’s sure to please any palate. So don’t be afraid to get creative – just have fun trying out different combinations until you find one that works best for your taste buds!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type Of Canning Equipment Do I Need?
If you’re interested in canning, it’s important to have the right equipment. When it comes to pressure canning specifically, you’ll need a large pot that can fit at least 4-quart jars with plenty of space left over for steam and boiling water. You may also need some specialized tools like a jar lifter and lid wand to help safely move your filled cans from one place to another. Additionally, most people will want to invest in an accurate dial gauge or weighted gauge pressure canner so they know when their food has been processed correctly. By having the proper canning techniques and equipment on hand you’ll be able to ensure your canned goods are safe for consumption!
Does The Canning Process Change For Different Types Of Peas?
When it comes to canning different types of peas, the basic process remains the same. However, there are some variations when it comes to soaking techniques and other safety measures you need to take into account. For instance, green peas have a thinner skin than black eyed peas so they require less time in boiling water before they go in jars. Also, split peas need no pre-soaking and should be cooked for at least 10 minutes before canning them. These little details make all the difference in terms of food safety and quality.
Are There Any Health Benefits To Canning Black-Eyed Peas?
Canning black-eyed peas is a great way to preserve their nutrients and ensure preservative safety. The canning process helps keep the nutritional value of these legumes intact, providing plenty of health benefits for those who enjoy them. Canning also locks in flavor, so you’ll be able to enjoy that same delicious taste over time. Plus, with all the vitamins and minerals packed into this superfood, it’s an easy way to get your daily dose of nutrition without having to buy fresh produce every day!
How Long Do Canned Black-Eyed Peas Last?
When it comes to canned black-eyed peas, you’re in luck! They can last for quite a while if stored correctly. All you need to do is make sure your jars are sanitized properly and that the cooking times are followed. Generally speaking, they will last up to one year without suffering any quality deterioration. So go ahead and stock up – you won’t have to worry about these tasty little treats going bad anytime soon!
Can I Freeze Black-Eyed Peas Instead Of Canning Them?
Yes, you can freeze black-eyed peas instead of canning them. When it comes to food preservation methods, there are always pros and cons for each one. Freezing black-eyed peas is a great way to store them since they will last up to 8 months in the freezer if stored correctly. However, with freezing, you don’t get the added bonus of extended shelf life that canned foods have; canned black-eyed peas typically last 2-3 years on the shelf without losing their flavor or texture. So when deciding whether to can or freeze your black-eyed peas, remember that safety should come first – make sure you properly clean and sanitize all containers before use and follow proper storage guidelines after they’re preserved.
Conclusion
Canning black-eyed peas is a great way to preserve them and have them on hand for future meals. With the right canning equipment, you can enjoy these delicious legumes all year round! Not only do canned black-eyed peas last longer than fresh ones, but they also provide healthy nutrition benefits that make them an ideal pantry staple. Whether you choose to can or freeze your beans, adding this tasty ingredient to your recipes will bring variety and flavor to your dinner table. So don’t wait any longer—get out there and start canning those black-eyed peas today!
