Name: Carolina-Style Smothered Black-Eyed Pea Cakes with Creamy Herb Sauce
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 (15 oz) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup cooked white rice (cooled); 1/2 cup finely diced sweet onion; 1/4 cup finely diced celery; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying); 1/2 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (or plant-based); 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives; 1 tsp lemon juice

Carolina-Style Smothered Black-Eyed Pea Cakes with Creamy Herb Sauce

CitrusyFig3842

This Carolina-inspired dish transforms classic soul food flavors into a light, plant-forward meal ideal for a cool North Carolina night. Black-eyed peas—iconic in Southern cuisine—are mashed and mixed with rice, onions, and celery to form savory cakes that are pan-fried for a crisp exterior. Resting the batter for a few minutes before cooking (a scientific tip from kitchen pros) gives the cakes perfect structure. A tangy, herb-packed yogurt sauce brings bright contrast and creaminess, delivering soulful comfort with every bite. Enjoy these cakes as a wholesome dinner or a crowd-pleasing starter!

Ingredients

Instructions

In a medium bowl, mash black-eyed peas with a fork until mostly smooth but some texture remains.
Add cooked rice, onion, celery, egg, flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix until well combined. Let mixture rest for 5 minutes for the flour to hydrate and the batter to hold together better.
With damp hands, shape mixture into 6 small patties (about 1/3-inch thick).
Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. When hot, add patties. Cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Work in batches if needed. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate.
While cakes cook, mix yogurt, parsley, chives, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve black-eyed pea cakes warm, drizzled with creamy herb sauce and extra fresh herbs if desired.