How do I fix hard black eyed peas/beans, for a slow cooker?!
Answers: I got some beans in a bag but I want them to go in a slow cooker with some beef roast, and how do I get the bean sauce? Thank-you so much for your help!
They're hard because they've been dried. You need to soak them to reconstitute them. soaking can take 8 to 10 hours. If you're using them tonight, try this. You'll need a large pot, at least 4 quarts but 6 or 8 is better. Fill the pot 2/3 full of plain water. Go through the peas to remove any pebbles or impurities. Add the peas to the pot, cover, and turn the heat to med-high. Bring to a boil, and remove from heat. Let it sit (covered) for a half hour. Drain the peas, and add them to the slow cooker. Now you can add the other ingredients and seasonings.
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I wouldn't add dried beans/peas to a crock pot. Even after 8 hours, the beans/peas won't be cooked. Yes, you can soak overnight. But cover with Saran Wrap, and refrigerate. There's a school of thought that says the reason beans give people gas is because when you soak them for 8 to 10 hours, they begin to ferment. This is what causes the gas. (idk) My method in original answer gives less gas. (MUCH less)
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If you're considering soaking overnight, obviously you have time. Why don't you make a run to the grocery store and buy a few cans of black eyed peas You don't need to soak/cook/or anything else. Just open, and add to the crock pot. No muss, no fuss.
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No. Once they've been soaked, you can add to the crock pot. But drain them first. Don't use the soaking water to cook with. Add fresh water and the ingredients/seasonings. Cook on low for 8 hours. peas/beans should be fine for that time and shouldn't be mushy. If I remember right, a slow cooker on low is only 184 or so degrees F. The only thing you might have trouble with is vegetables. For example, if you slow cook carrots that long, they'll be mushy. Add vegs about 2 to 3 hours into the cooking.
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Here's a generic recipe to show you the soaking process. This isn't for a crock pot recipe. I just use it to show you the steps of the soaking process. Good luck.
http://southernfood.about.com/od/blackey...
Add them in with your roast and about a cup of water, depending on how big your roast is and how many beans you want to cook. There will be some moisture that comes off the roast that will also add flavor and reconstitute your beans.