Black-eyed peas are a type of bean that is popular in Southern cooking. They have a creamy texture and earthy, nutty flavor when cooked. Many people soak black-eyed peas before cooking them, which helps reduce cooking time and can improve texture. A quick soak is a method of soaking beans for just 1-2 hours versus overnight. This cuts down on time while still allowing the peas to absorb some liquid and begin softening. Below we will look at how to do a quick soak for black-eyed peas and the benefits of soaking them.
What is a Quick Soak?
A quick soak is a shortened method of hydrating dried beans before cooking them. To quick soak beans:
- Place the dried beans in a pot and cover with 2-3 inches of cold water.
- Bring the water to a boil and boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 1 hour.
After the hour soak time, drain the beans and proceed with your recipe as normal. The quick boil helps drive water into the beans, initiating the rehydration process. The soak time allows the water to fully penetrate and soften the exterior skin of the beans.
Compared to soaking beans overnight, a quick soak significantly cuts down on time while still allowing some hydration to occur. Overnight soaking can take 8-12 hours, while a quick soak is done in just 1-2 hours.
Benefits of Soaking Black-Eyed Peas
There are several advantages to soaking black-eyed peas before cooking:
- Shorter cooking time: Soaking enables water to penetrate the tough outer skin of the beans. This softens them and reduces the cooking time needed.
- More even cooking: Beans soak up water at different rates when cooking starts from dry. Soaking helps hydrate them evenly so they cook evenly.
- Better texture: Beans soaked before cooking tend to retain shape and have a creamy, smooth texture.
- Increases nutrients: Soaking can help remove phytic acid and other anti-nutrients that can inhibit mineral absorption.
- Easier digestion: Pre-soaking makes beans easier on the digestive system by starting to break down indigestible sugars.
For these reasons, most recipes for beans like black-eyed peas recommend soaking before cooking. Even a quick 1-2 hour soak offers benefits over cooking from dry.
How to Quick Soak Black-Eyed Peas
Quick soaking black-eyed peas is simple:
- Rinse 1 pound dried black-eyed peas and pick out any stones or debris.
- Place peas in a large pot and cover with 2-3 inches cold water.
- Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove pot from heat. Cover and let sit 1 hour.
- Drain peas and proceed with your recipe as normal.
The 2 minute boil kickstarts hydration while the 1 hour soak allows thorough water penetration. Make sure to check peas after soaking; they should look plump and doubled in size when ready. Drain off any peas that still look wrinkled or dry. Now the peas are ready for cooking in your favorite recipe!
Tips for Quick Soaking
Here are some tips for successfully quick soaking black-eyed peas:
- Pick through beans and rinse well before soaking.
- Use a large pot with plenty of water to allow beans room to expand and move freely.
- Make sure water covers beans by 2-3 inches during soaking.
- Soak time can be extended to 2 hours for very dry, older beans.
- Drain off any beans that still look shriveled or wrinkled after soaking.
- Add fresh water when cooking soaked beans to get rid of phytic acid and minerals.
Following these tips will ensure your black-eyed peas soak up enough water to cook evenly and have an ideal creamy, soft texture.
Using Quick Soaked Black-Eyed Peas
Once soaked and drained, black-eyed peas can be used in all your favorite recipes. They are great in:
- Black-eyed pea salad with vinaigrette
- Vegetarian chili
- Minestrone or bean soup
- Black-eyed pea curry or dal
- Rice and peas
- Black-eyed pea fritters
- Soul food classics like hoppin’ john
Soaked black-eyed peas hold their shape nicely when cooked compared to unsoaked peas. Just remember to season the cooking liquid well and add acidic ingredients like tomatoes towards the end to prevent peas from toughening.
Cooking Time for Soaked Black-Eyed Peas
Soaking black-eyed peas reduces the cooking time substantially compared to dry beans. Here are estimated cooking times:
- Dry black-eyed peas: 1-1.5 hours
- Overnight soaked: 35-45 minutes
- Quick soaked: 45-60 minutes
Check peas for doneness starting at the lower end of the time range. They should be just tender but not falling apart. Add more cooking liquid if needed to keep moist.
Freezing Quick Soaked Black-Eyed Peas
Like other beans, soaked black-eyed peas freeze well for longer storage. To freeze:
- Quick soak beans as normal.
- Drain well and spread on a sheet pan to air dry for 15 minutes.
- Portion peas into freezer bags or containers, leaving 1-inch headspace.
- Press out all air and seal tightly.
- Freeze for up to 6 months.
To use, thaw overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water. Use in recipes as you would freshly soaked peas.
Conclusion
Doing a quick soak is an easy way to prep black-eyed peas for better texture and more even cooking. Simply boil for 2 minutes, soak for 1 hour, and drain before using in your favorite recipes. With just a small time investment, you can enjoy tender, creamy black-eyed peas with enhanced flavor and nutrition. Quick soaking improves the beans while still being faster than a traditional overnight method.
| Soaking Method | Time Needed | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| No soaking | 0 min | Quickest option |
| Overnight soak | 8-12 hours | Maximizes hydration |
| Quick soak | 1-2 hours | Good hydration, moderate time |
References
- Wolfrum, S., & Payne, C. (2021). Cooking beans from scratch. Michigan State University Extension. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/cooking_beans_from_scratch
- Ream, C. (2019). Benefits of soaking beans before cooking them. Eating Well. https://www.eatingwell.com/article/290640/benefits-of-soaking-beans-before-cooking-them/
- The Culinary Pro. (2020). How to quick soak beans for tender perfect beans. https://theculinarypro.com/how-to-quick-soak-beans/
- Russo, P. (2019). How to cook black-eyed peas. The Spruce Eats. https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-cook-blackeyed-peas-3061156