Black eyes peas may sound like a weird name, but believe us, these small beady-looking legumes are packed with vitamins and complex minerals. Their particular combination with some spices and other beans can make them a meal worthy of grand halls.
Some of the advantages of using black eyed peas in your diet include lowered cholesterol and a more balanced diet. Beyond that, this nutritious legume is even good for weight loss. You can have it combined with different salads and low-calorie dishes to get the best Keto experience.
If you don’t know what Keto is or what Keto dishes are like, a Keto cookbook should prove helpful. You can even get a side of Keto chips while you are it.
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Why Should You Soak Black Eyed Peas?
There are two main reasons for soaking beans. The primary reason is to reduce the time it takes to cook them. The secondary reason is to reduce their toxicity by breaking down their compounds.
The toxicity aspect is more or less related to the Oligosaccharide compound found in most beans and legume family members. By soaking these beans, you reduce the effect of this toxic compound by making it more digestible.
How to Soak Black Eyed Peas
Soaking peas and the rest of the legume family members is easy. You need a few basic things like a bowl, beans and water. You should get also get some Kosher Salt if you plan on taking the moderate soaking method.
The method of soaking and the length of the soaking depends on the time you have and the texture you require. You will have to soak your black eyed peas for longer if you want some soft easy to digest beans. If you want some crunch or firmness to your beans, you will have to soak them for a shorter period.
The soaking method remains the same for most of the soaking methods. You submerge your beans in water and wait. You can add salt or heat your beans depending on the time and patience you have.
Soaking Black Eyed Peas in Water
Water is what a majority of people use to soak black eyed peas. It’s readily available, and you don’t need any special preparations to soak your beans in water either. You only have to add an appropriate amount of water to the bowl containing your beans.
You may add some Kosher salt if you want to get things done in 4 to 5 hours. Some people add a bit of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for overnight soaks to allow the beans to retain their shape. Since juicing lemons tend to get hard and messy, you might want to get a lemon juicer.
How Long To Soak Black Eyed Peas
The length of the soaking period depends on what you are using as the medium for soaking. Normally overnight soaks range from 8 to 10 hours. People soak them for even longer periods, but there is no point in soaking them for that long. On the contrary, soaking them for too long will ruin their shape and taste.
Quick soaks are simple and take no more than an hour. In comparison, some other soaking methods that use salt and baking soda as a catalyst require about 4 to 6 hours of soak.
Can You Soak Black Eyed Peas Overnight?
If you are using dried black eyed peas, you should soak them overnight to make them easier to cook without losing their shape or flavor. The soaking method is pretty straightforward as the rest of the beans and peas. You will need a bowl, some cold water and patience.
You start washing your black eyed peas and then putting them in a bowl. Afterward, pour in enough cold water to cover your beans completely. You can put them in a refrigerator to help maintain their temperature and to allow them to keep their firm shape and texture.
How to Soak Black Eyed Peas Fast
The quicker alternative for people who want to get on with the cooking process is quite simple. Take some beans and wash them thoroughly to get rid of any dirt. Submerge your beans in water and bring them to a boil; remember to use some heat-resistant gloves.
Leave your beans to boil for two minutes (Give or take a few seconds), and then turn off the heat. Let them stay in the warm water for a while, at least until they become soft. You can check their firmness by probing or poking them with a fork.
Drain the water, separate the black eyed peas and cook them as you see fit. Some people use the water used for soaking the black eyed peas for cooking, but we don’t recommend that because it slightly alters the taste. Use fresh water to get that crisp and sharp taste.
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