Name: Greek Style Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and picked over; 1 large onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 carrots, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups vegetable broth; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional); 1 bay leaf; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley; Crumbled feta cheese (optional); Lemon wedges

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 3.9 from 42 reviews

If you have been searching for a comforting, vibrant, and soul-satisfying meal, then this Greek Style Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. The tender black-eyed peas gently simmered with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and the rich embrace of extra virgin olive oil create a dish bursting with Mediterranean charm and wholesome goodness. It’s a perfect blend of rustic simplicity and bold flavors that comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker, inviting you to set it and forget it while your home fills with irresistible aromas.

Greek Style Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this dish plays a vital role, from the creamy black-eyed peas providing a hearty base, to the fresh vegetables adding texture and sweetness, and the herbs and spices delivering that unmistakable Greek flair. These essentials are straightforward but come together to create a meal that feels both nourishing and celebratory.

2 cups dried black-eyed peas: The star of the show, these peas soften beautifully and soak up all the wonderful seasonings.
1 large onion, finely chopped: Adds a natural sweetness and depth to the dish as it slow-cooks.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings warmth and a savory punch that is classic in Greek cooking.
2 carrots, diced: Adds color and a hint of gentle sweetness that balances the earthy peas.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Contributes vibrant color and a subtle fruity flavor.
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained: Provides acidity and juiciness to keep everything moist and flavorful.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
4 cups vegetable broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the peas with savory goodness.
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: A hallmark of Greek cuisine, it enriches texture and adds a silky finish.
2 teaspoons dried oregano: The herb that gives this dish its unmistakable Mediterranean personality.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth that complements the sweetness of the veggies.
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, optional: Adds a gentle earthiness and an exotic hint when you want to mix things up.
1 bay leaf: Infuses a subtle depth and complexity as the dish simmers.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
Chopped fresh parsley: Lightens and brightens the final presentation with fresh, herbal notes.
Crumbled feta cheese, optional: Adds a creamy, tangy contrast that’s pure magic on top.
Lemon wedges: A squeeze right before eating wakes up the dish with lively acidity.

How to Make Greek Style Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Load Your Slow Cooker

Start by placing the rinsed and sorted dried black-eyed peas into your slow cooker. Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and red bell pepper right on top. This colorful vegetable base is going to slowly release its flavors and soften into a delicious stew.

Step 2: Combine the Flavorful Liquids and Herbs

Next, add in your canned diced tomatoes with their juices, and stir in the tomato paste. Pour the vegetable broth and extra virgin olive oil over the mixture, making sure everything is submerged in the rich liquid. Sprinkle in oregano, smoked paprika, cumin if you’ve chosen to include it, and tuck the bay leaf into the mix. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to start building your layers of flavor.

Step 3: Let It Cook Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on the low heat setting for 6 to 7 hours. This long, slow cooking time is crucial because it tenderizes the peas until soft and creamy and allows the flavors to deepen dramatically—transforming simple ingredients into a heartwarming, hearty stew.

Step 4: Final Touches Before Serving

Once the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaf and give the pot a good stir. Taste your black-eyed peas and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. This last step lets you personalize the dish exactly to your liking before plating.

How to Serve Greek Style Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe

Garnishes

Garnishing elevates this dish from everyday to unforgettable. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh herbal note and a lovely pop of green. Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, salty contrast that pairs perfectly with the smoky and tangy flavors in the recipe. And a squeeze of lemon juice just before eating brightens and balances every bite beautifully.

Side Dishes

This black-eyed pea stew shines as a standalone meal but also pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread to soak up all the luscious sauce. For a full Mediterranean feast, serve with a crisp Greek salad or grilled vegetables. Steamed rice or warm pita bread can also make excellent companions, rounding out textures and flavors for a well-balanced plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on presentation, serve the black-eyed peas in small bowls topped with feta and parsley for a casual gathering or family dinner. Alternatively, spoon the peas over a bed of fluffy couscous or roasted potatoes for a hearty and elegant option. You could even stuff the mixture into pita pockets with some tzatziki for a handheld delight. The possibilities with this Greek Style Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover black-eyed peas store wonderfully in the refrigerator. Transfer them to an airtight container and keep for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and deepen, making the next day’s meal just as delicious, if not better.

Freezing

If you want to save the stew for longer, it freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled black-eyed peas into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or an easy, nourishing dinner anytime you need one.

Reheating

When ready to eat leftover or frozen black-eyed peas, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the stew if it’s thickened too much. A quick reheat and it’s ready to enjoy again!

FAQs

Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?

You can, but dried black-eyed peas offer the best texture and flavor when slow cooked. If using canned, reduce liquid quantities and cooking time to avoid mushiness.

Is this recipe vegan-friendly?

Yes! The recipe is naturally vegan if you skip the optional feta cheese. The olive oil and vegetable broth keep it rich and satisfying without any animal products.

What can I substitute if I don’t have smoked paprika?

If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika is fine, or you can add a touch of ground chipotle for smokiness. Just start with less to avoid overpowering the dish.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding chunks of cooked lamb or chicken towards the end of cooking can turn this into a heartier meal while still embracing that lovely Greek style.

How do I make this recipe spicier?

For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili pepper along with the garlic and onions. It gives a nice kick without overwhelming the other flavors.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about coming home to a pot of warm, comforting black-eyed peas that carry the vibrant flavors of Greece. This Greek Style Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas Recipe is not only incredibly easy but filled with fresh, wholesome ingredients that celebrate simple, authentic cooking. Give it a try and you might just find yourself making it a regular favorite for cozy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike.