Food and Recipes Dish Dips Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus 4.5 (2) 2 Reviews A country-cooking staple meets a traditional Middle Eastern recipe for a crowd-pleasing party appetizer. By Lisa Cericola Lisa Cericola Lisa Cericola has been on staff at Southern Living since 2015. As Deputy Editor, Lisa manages the food and travel departments and edits those sections of each issue, as well as digital content. Previously, she was the features editor at Food Network Magazine and has more than 15 years of experience writing, editing, and managing photo shoots for print and digital lifestyle brands. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on January 13, 2024 Recipe tested by Southern Living Test Kitchen Recipe tested by Southern Living Test Kitchen The Southern Living Test Kitchen has been publishing recipes since 1970, four years after the first issue of Southern Living Magazine appeared on newsstands. The Southern Living Test Kitchen team includes a team of professionals with deep expertise in recipe development, from pastry chefs and grilling experts to nutritionists and dietitians. Together, the team tests and retests, produces, styles, and photographs thousands of recipes each year in the state-of-the-art test kitchen facility located in Birmingham, Alabama. Learn more about the Southern Living Test Kitchen Rate PRINT Share Total Time: 5 mins Servings: 8 If you are either hosting or attending a tailgate this football season, you may want to try out a new recipe: black-eyed pea hummus. Used for generations in soul food, the black-eyed pea is thought to have come to the U.S. colonies with enslaved Africans. The customary preparation of black-eyed peas was similar to vegetables like collards and green beans—to leave them simmering on the stovetop. These tender beans have since found their way into salads, soups, and of course, the iconic New Year's dish Hoppin' John. They also blend up into a creamy, irresistible hummus. Hummus is traditionally made from mashed chickpeas seasoned with lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Served with pita chips, it's a popular savory dip or snack. Substitute canned black-eyed peas for the chickpeas, and season with tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and other wonderful flavors for a unique twist on this classic dip. A sprinkle of smoked paprika adds a pretty pop of color for an appetizer that's guaranteed to become one of your favorites. Hector Manuel Sanchez; Food Styling: Katelyn Hardwick; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl Ingredients for Black-Eyed Pea Hummus This hummus comes together quickly and easily using ingredients you probably already have on hand. To make it, you'll need: Garlic cloves: Raw garlic adds a kick and depth of flavor.Canned black-eyed peas: Blended up into a creamy base.Extra-virgin olive oil: For a smooth texture and rich flavor. A final drizzle tops the hummus before serving.Tahini: Adds a traditional nutty, earthy flavor.Fresh lemon juice: Acidity brightens the dip.Smoked paprika: For an earthy warmth and pop of color.Kosher salt & black pepper: Seasons the mixture.Pita chips: For serving alongside the prepared hummus. Pair with fresh vegetables, pita bread, or other types of chips for dipping.Lemon zest: Optional, but provides an additional citrusy note and hint of color. How To Make Black-Eyed Pea Hummus Canned black-eyed peas blend up in minutes for an appetizer you can pull out even at the last minute. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started: Step 1. Make hummus: Process garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Add black-eyed peas, oil, tahini, lemon, paprika, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.Step 2. Garnish, and serve: Spoon into a bowl; top with oil, paprika, and lemon zest. Serve with pita chips. Variations for Black-Eyed Pea Hummus The beauty of hummus is that it can be altered to suit your tastes in a variety of ways. Feel free to amp up the spices—cumin, sumac, cayenne, and more can be added to taste. If you have leftover cooked black-eyed peas, skip the can—it's a great way to use them up. If you love the bright acidity of lemon, feel free to increase the quantity of juice and add a little extra zest to the mix. If garlic is more your thing, try caramelizing it in the oven first and squeezing in a few cloves for a buttery, garlicky addition. Can I Make Black-Eyed Pea Hummus Ahead? This hummus is a great make-ahead snack or party appetizer. Prepare up to two days in advance, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature and garnish fresh before serving. What To Serve with Black-Eyed Pea Hummus This black-eyed pea hummus is a satisfying appetizer, particularly when served up with pita chips, crudité, pita bread, or other types of chips for dipping. If you have leftovers, spread onto sandwiches or wraps for a flavorful addition. Use as the centerpiece of a veggie tray. More Black-Eyed Pea Recipes You'll Love There's no shortage of ways to enjoy black-eyed peas, and these recipes are some of our favorites: Texas Caviar Southwest Black-Eyed Pea Dip Black-Eyed Pea and Grain Salad Hoppin' John Hush Puppies Roasted Pepper-Tomato Salad with Crispy Black-Eyed Peas Black-Eyed Pea Salad Chili-Roasted Black Eyed Peas Hoppin' John Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse. Ingredients 2 garlic cloves 2 (15.5-oz.) cans black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed 8 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided 3 Tbsp. tahini 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika, divided 3/4 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper Lemon zest, optional Pita chips Directions Make hummus: Process garlic cloves in a food processor until finely chopped. Add black-eyed peas, 6 Tbsp. olive oil, tahini, lemon juice, 1 tsp. smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth. Garnish, and serve: Spoon into a bowl; top with remaining 2 Tbsp. olive oil and 1/4 tsp. paprika. Top with lemon zest, if desired. Serve with pita chips. Frequently Asked Questions Why do Southerners eat black-eyed peas? Black-eyed peas have been a Southern staple for centuries. They're traditionally eaten on New Year's Day as a symbol of good luck for the year to come. Are canned black-eyed peas good for you? Black-eyed peas, whether canned or cooked fresh, are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber, magnesium, and more. How do you adjust the consistency of black-eyed pea hummus? To thin hummus that's too thick, adjust by blending in a splash of ice water at a time until creamy and smooth. Rate It Print Additional reporting by Katie Rosenhouse Katie Rosenhouse Follow us Katie Rosenhouse is a pastry chef and food writer with over 15 years of experience in the culinary arts. She's worked as a pastry chef in some of the finest restaurants in New York City, as a culinary instructor, and as a recipe developer. learn more