Black-Eyed Peas with Spinach and Salmon

If you are looking for a cozy and nourishing dish, this Black-Eyed Peas with Spinach and Salmon recipe is a wonderful choice. It is warm, hearty, and full of gentle flavors that make the kitchen smell inviting. This bowl feels comforting without being heavy, and it is a simple way to enjoy more beans recipes at home. It is also a great pick if you are exploring New Year Food traditions or learning how to cook black eyed peas for the first time. This is one of those meals you will want to pin for later.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, rinsed
• 4 cups water or low sodium broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 salmon fillets, cooked and flaked
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

1. Rinse the dried black-eyed peas and place them in a pot with the water or broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let them simmer until tender, usually 45 to 60 minutes. This step is key for any black eyed peas recipe.
2. Warm the olive oil in a large pan. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and slightly golden. The smell should be sweet and gentle.
3. Add the garlic to the pan and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. Avoid letting it burn.
4. Once the peas are cooked, drain them and add them to the onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to blend everything.
5. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the peas are coated and warm.
6. Add the fresh spinach and let it wilt into the peas. This only takes a minute or two.
7. Gently fold in the flaked cooked salmon. Try not to break the pieces too much.
8. Add the lemon juice for brightness. Stir and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
9. Serve warm and enjoy a simple, wholesome meal that fits beautifully into anyone learning how to cook black eyed peas.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Not soaking the peas: Even a short soak helps them cook more evenly, especially for beginners learning how to cook black eyed peas.
• Using high heat: A hard boil can break the peas. Keep the simmer low for a smoother texture.
• Adding spinach too early: It can become overcooked and dark. Add it at the end for a soft, bright look.
• Over seasoning with lemon: A little is enough to balance the salmon and peas.

Tips For Success

• Cook the salmon ahead of time so it is easy to flake into the peas.
• Try broth instead of water for extra flavor.
• If you like smoky taste, add a small pinch of smoked salt.
• Stir gently to keep the peas whole and creamy.
• For a softer texture, let the peas simmer a few extra minutes at the end.

How To Serve

This dish tastes wonderful with warm flatbread or simple rice on the side. You can also pair it with a fresh green salad for contrast. If you want a heartier dinner, try serving it next to this cheesy ranch potato dinner for a complete plate. The soft peas, tender salmon, and wilted spinach give a warm, earthy feel that works well for both weekday meals and holiday tables.

Flavor Add In Ideas

• A little cayenne for heat.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
• A spoon of tomato paste for deeper color.
• Chopped tomatoes for light acidity.
• Crumbled feta for creamy balance.

Black-Eyed Peas with Spinach and Salmon

This Black-Eyed Peas with Spinach and Salmon recipe is cozy, nourishing, and full of gentle flavors. Perfect for New Year traditions or simple weeknight dinners, it brings together tender peas, flaky salmon, and fresh spinach for a comforting and wholesome meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas rinsed
• 4 cups water or low sodium broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt more to taste
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 fillets salmon cooked and flaked
• red pepper flakes optional, for heat

Equipment

• Pot
• Large Pan

Method

 

1. Rinse the dried black-eyed peas and place them in a pot with water or broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 45–60 minutes until tender.
2. In a large pan, warm the olive oil. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and golden.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Drain the cooked peas and add them to the pan. Stir well to combine with the onion and garlic.
5. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until heated through.
6. Add spinach and let it wilt into the peas for 1–2 minutes.
7. Gently fold in flaked salmon. Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.

Notes

This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the salmon texture. You can substitute salmon with other mild fish or make it vegetarian by skipping the fish altogether.

Make Ahead And Storage

This dish stores well and the flavors blend even more by the next day. Keep it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly so the salmon stays tender. If you enjoy slow cooked meals, try this slow cooker black eyed peas option for another cozy variation. You can also cook extra peas ahead for meal prepping bean recipes that freeze well.

FAQs

Why are my peas still firm?
They may need more simmer time. Older peas take longer to soften. Add a little more water and cook until tender. Many people face this when learning how to cook black eyed peas.

Can I use canned peas instead of dried?
Yes, but rinse them well and cook only until warm. They are already soft so you will only need a few minutes.

Can I make this without salmon?
Yes. You can keep it vegetarian or add any mild fish you prefer. It will still taste warm and filling, perfect for New Year Food traditions.

Conclusion

This Black-Eyed Peas with Spinach and Salmon recipe is simple, nutritious, and comforting. It is a wonderful dish to keep in your kitchen routine, especially if you enjoy hearty and wholesome meals. If you want another easy dinner idea, take a look at this easy orzo dinner recipe for quick weeknight cooking. If you found this guide helpful, share it on Pinterest so others can enjoy it too.