Creole Black-Eyed Peas – The Black Family Reunion Cookbook – Black Foodie Finder

A Creole-Inspired Southern Heritage Classic

Combining the comforting flavors of the South with the bold influence of Creole cooking, Creole Black-Eyed Peas is a hearty one-pot meal featuring smoky bacon, tender black-eyed peas, shrimp, and fresh vegetables. The addition of shrimp and scallions gives this traditional dish a Louisiana-inspired twist while staying true to the African American culinary traditions that have made black-eyed peas a beloved staple for generations.

Featured as a Heritage Recipe in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this recipe showcases how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners and special occasions alike.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

• 2 quarts boiling water
• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
• 1 onion, diced
• ½ pound lean bacon, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 dried red pepper, crushed
• 1 cup rice, cooked and drained
• 1½ pounds raw shrimp, shelled and deveined
• 6 scallions, trimmed and sliced

Makes: 6 to 8 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the boiling water, dried black-eyed peas, diced onion, bacon, salt, and crushed red pepper.
2. Simmer over low heat for about 2 hours, or until the peas become tender.
3. Stir in the cooked rice and continue cooking for 20 minutes.
4. Add the shrimp and sliced scallions, then cook for another 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked and tender.
5. Serve hot as a complete one-pot meal.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Soak the black-eyed peas overnight to shorten the cooking time and help them cook more evenly.
• Use large Gulf shrimp if available for authentic Creole flavor.
• Add a few dashes of Louisiana-style hot sauce before serving for extra heat.
• Serve with warm cornbread or crusty French bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Garnish with additional sliced scallions or fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

About the Heritage Recipe

Creole Black-Eyed Peas is recognized as a Heritage Recipe in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, celebrating the rich culinary traditions shared across the American South and Louisiana. By blending black-eyed peas with shrimp, bacon, and Creole-inspired seasonings, this recipe reflects the diverse influences that have shaped African American food culture while honoring generations of home cooks who preserved these comforting family recipes.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. The cookbook is a treasured collection of heritage recipes, regional favorites, and family dishes that celebrate the rich culinary legacy of African American communities.