Go Back

Canning Black-Eyed Peas the Southern Way

Canning black-eyed peas the Southern way means turning humble dried beans into pantry gold. With this simple pressure-canning method, you’ll have jars of creamy, earthy peas ready for soups, stews, or quick skillet meals any night of the week.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Pantry Staples, Preserving
Cuisine American, southern
Servings 7 pint jars
Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

  • Pressure Canner
  • Canning Jars (Pint or Quart)
  • Jar Lifter
  • Lids and Rings
  • Large Pot
  • Towels

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 3 lbs dried black-eyed peas sorted and rinsed
  • water for soaking and cooking
  • 1 tsp canning salt optional, per pint jar

Optional Seasonings

  • 1 bay leaf optional, per jar
  • 1 clove garlic optional, peeled
  • smoked paprika a pinch, optional

Instructions
 

  • Sort and rinse dried black-eyed peas to remove any debris.
  • Soak peas overnight in plenty of water, or use the quick-soak method: boil for 2 minutes, cover, and let stand for 1 hour.
  • Drain and rinse soaked peas. Simmer in fresh water for about 30 minutes to partially cook.
  • Pack hot peas into hot sterilized jars, leaving 1-inch headspace. Add 1 teaspoon canning salt per pint if desired.
  • Top with hot cooking liquid or boiling water, maintaining 1-inch headspace. Debubble and adjust if needed.
  • Wipe rims clean, apply lids and rings fingertip-tight.
  • Process jars in a pressure canner at 10 lbs pressure: 75 minutes for pints, 90 minutes for quarts (adjust for altitude).
  • Allow canner to cool naturally before opening. Remove jars and let cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours.
  • Check seals, label jars with date, and store in a cool, dark place for up to 12–18 months.

Notes

  • For best flavor, let jars rest for 2–3 weeks before using.
  • Avoid adding meats or fats before canning season with those when serving.
  • Cloudy liquid is harmless and usually caused by minerals or bean starch.
Keyword Black Eyed Peas, Canning, Homemade, Pressure canning