Smashed Black-Eyed Peas (Printable)

Creamy smashed black-eyed peas blended with garlic, olive oil, and lemon. Perfect as a dip, spread, or side dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# Directions:

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.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in less than half an hour, which means you can make it while dinner cooks without breaking a sweat.
  • The lemon and garlic make it taste like something far more complicated than it actually is, so you'll feel like a clever cook.
02 -
  • Don't over-mash or use a food processor unless you want it completely smooth—the slight texture is what keeps it interesting and stops it from feeling like baby food.
  • The flavors actually deepen and settle over an hour or two, so if you have time, let it sit before serving and taste again before deciding if it needs more seasoning.
03 -
  • Make it ahead and let it sit in the refrigerator; the flavors actually deepen overnight, and you can bring it back to room temperature or warm it gently before serving.
  • If it seems too thick after sitting, a tiny drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon will loosen it right up without diluting the flavor.
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