Out of Black-eyed peas, one case
Guide to black-eyed pea substitutes
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Cowpeas
Same amount as the black-eyed peas
The best black-eyed pea substitutes are cowpeas (identical), lima beans, navy beans, pinto beans, and great northern beans. Use 1:1 ratio for most substitutes, adjusting cooking time as needed.
- Verdict —
- Works
- Best for —
- authentic flavor
One casethe full black-eyed peas card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of black-eyed peas | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cowpeasauthentic flavor | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 2 | Lima beanssoups and stews | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Navy beansbaked beans | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 4 | Pinto beansrefried beans | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Great Northern beanscasseroles | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 6 | Cannellini beansItalian-inspired dishes | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
Cowpeas
identical taste and texture
The closest substitute for black-eyed peas as they're from the same family. Nearly identical in taste, texture, and cooking properties.
- Best for
- authentic flavor, traditional recipes, Hoppin' John, when you want identical taste, Southern cuisine
Cowpeas are the best substitute for black-eyed peas. They have the same mild, slightly nutty flavor and creamy texture. Good for maintaining authentic taste in traditional recipes.
Lima beans
similar taste and texture
Creamy texture and mild flavor that works well in most black-eyed pea recipes. Slightly larger but similar in taste and cooking properties.
- Best for
- soups and stews, casseroles, when you want creamier texture, salads, baked dishes
Lima beans provide a creamy texture similar to black-eyed peas. They have a mild, pleasant flavor that works well in most applications. Slightly larger but similar in taste.
Navy beans
similar taste and texture
Pinto beans
different taste, similar texture
Creamy texture when cooked, with a slightly earthy flavor. Good substitute for most black-eyed pea recipes.
- Best for
- refried beans, chili, soups, when you want earthy flavor, Mexican-inspired dishes
Pinto beans work well as a substitute, though they have a slightly different color and earthy flavor. They're widely available and affordable.
Great Northern beans
similar taste and texture
Mild-flavored white beans with creamy texture that blend well in most recipes. Very versatile substitute.
- Best for
- casseroles, soups, dips, when you want very mild flavor, family-friendly recipes
Great Northern beans are excellent for recipes where you want a very mild bean flavor. They're creamy and blend well with other ingredients.
Cannellini beans
different taste, similar texture
Italian white beans with creamy texture and slightly nutty flavor. Good substitute for Mediterranean-inspired recipes.
- Best for
- Italian-inspired dishes, when you want slightly nutty flavor, soups, salads, Mediterranean cuisine
Cannellini beans add a subtle nutty flavor while providing creamy texture. They're good for Mediterranean-inspired recipes and work well in most applications.
How it behaves in this recipe
Black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cuisine and are popular for New Year's good luck traditions. When substituting, consider both the flavor profile and texture to maintain the dish's character. The recommended substitutes work because they provide similar functionality while offering different flavor characteristics.
Tips for substituting black-eyed peas
8 tips- Soak dried beans overnight for best texture and faster cooking
- Black-eyed peas cook faster than most beans, usually 45-60 minutes
- Add salt only after beans are tender to prevent tough skins
- For traditional Southern flavor, cook with ham hock or smoked turkey
- Black-eyed peas are good for New Year's good luck traditions
- When substituting, consider both the flavor and texture you want to achieve
- Canned beans work great for quick meals and are already cooked
- For best results, rinse and drain canned beans before using
Notes on black-eyed peas
- For a completely different approach, try using chickpeas for a Mediterranean twist
- For a more colorful option, mix different colored beans like red kidney beans and white beans
- For a lower-carb option, try using diced jicama or cucumber instead of beans
- For a fresher taste, try using frozen black-eyed peas or other beans instead of dried
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for black-eyed peas?
Cowpeas are the best substitute for black-eyed peas as they're from the same family with nearly identical taste and texture. Lima beans, navy beans, and great northern beans also work well.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried black-eyed peas?
Yes, canned beans work great as a substitute for dried black-eyed peas. Use 1 can (15 oz) for every ½ cup dried beans. Rinse and drain before using.
Why are black-eyed peas called 'cowpeas'?
Black-eyed peas are actually a type of cowpea, which is why cowpeas are the best substitute. The name comes from their traditional use as cattle feed and their popularity in Southern cuisine.
How long do black-eyed peas take to cook?
Dried black-eyed peas typically take 45-60 minutes to cook after soaking, or 1-2 hours without soaking. They cook faster than most other beans.
Can I substitute black-eyed peas in Hoppin' John?
Yes, cowpeas are the best substitute for black-eyed peas in Hoppin' John as they're from the same family. Lima beans or navy beans also work well for this traditional Southern dish.