Smashed Black-Eyed Peas (Print Version)

Creamy smashed peas with garlic, lemon, and olive oil. Ideal for dipping or as a flavorful side.

# Ingredient List:

→ Legumes

01 - 2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed

→ Aromatics

02 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Oils & Acids

03 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest

→ Seasonings

06 - 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, optional
09 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnish

# Steps:

01 - In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked black-eyed peas and minced garlic.
02 - Add the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, and cumin if using.
03 - Using a potato masher or fork, mash the mixture until mostly smooth but still slightly chunky for texture.
04 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
05 - Transfer to a serving bowl. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil and sprinkle with parsley if desired.
06 - Serve as a dip with pita, crackers, or fresh vegetables, or as a hearty side dish.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • It transforms a simple pantry ingredient into something creamy and craveable without any fancy equipment or techniques.
  • The lemon keeps things bright and alive, cutting through richness in a way that makes you want another spoonful.
  • Works as a dip, a side, or even smeared on toast, so one batch becomes multiple meals.
02 -
  • Under-mash rather than over-mash; the texture suffers if you aim for perfectly smooth, and the charm is in those little nuggets of pea.
  • Cold peas need more seasoning than warm ones, so taste again if you're making this ahead and serving it chilled.
03 -
  • If you're making this for guests, prep everything except the mashing step, then do the final mash right before serving so it maintains that fresh, just-made feeling.
  • A tiny splash of water or vegetable broth stirred in at the end creates a looser, more dip-like consistency without watering down the flavor.
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