I have a question about making beans (black eyed peas or black beans) from scratch?

Question

When I make dried black beans or black eyed peas, I fry the salt pork first, then add the grease and the chopped fatback to the beans.

Has anyone tried adding the chopped salt pork raw to the beans/peas while they are simmering? I know I won't get the crispy bacon-like texture, but I want to know if I can save a step.

I am NOT looking for recipes, just answers, please.

Suggestions with bacon will work as well, thank you!

Answer 1

MUST fry first or you won't get the flavor.

Answer 2

Yeah, it will be a chewy texture, but sometimes it almost just melts away. We add it to pinto beans with lots of onion, garlic etc. Just chop the salt pork and add it at the beginning, but after you chop it, rinse it real good or else it will be really salty. Doing it that way works real good with black eyed peas too.

Answer 3

You can do it either way but if you boil the salt pork you will lose 2 things, much of the flavor it gives to the beans and the consistency it gives to the sauce. If its saving a step what you want it will work, if its reducing the fat what you want it will work, but the flavor will not be the same. Id rather do the additinal step and add less of the fat.

Answer 4

i cooked dried beans with pork for years until i got lazy so now i buy 4 cans of blackeyes peas put them in a crock pot with Raw pork until the pork is cooked and it tastes the same a dried bean just faster or i fry the pork fat and then add the can beans to the pork that also tastes the same

Answer 5

My husband comes from a highly vegetarian family and this is a recipe that is used all the time. It is for Nut Loaf, but you can shape it into patties so that it can be served on a bun. Enjoy BEST NUT LOAF 3 c. flour 3/4 c. sugar 3 1/2 tsp. baking powder 1 1/2 tsp. salt 1 beaten egg 1 1/2 c. milk 2 tbsp. salad oil 3/4 c. broken walnuts Sift dry ingredients together. Combine egg, milk and salad oil. Add to dry ingredients, mix well. Stir in nuts. Bake in greased 9 1/2 x 5 x 3 loaf pan at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until done. Remove from pan and cool on rack.

Answer 6

Yes, you can toss the meat in raw; it'll cook. You don't see crispy bacon in a can of pork and beans, do you? Save yourself the hassle.

Answer 7

I use smoked turkey or ham hocks. I wash the meat and put it in the pot to simmer with the beans.

Answer 8

Who says you need the meat?

In fact, the salt in the meat is making it far more difficult for the beans to cook properly. And they are quite tasty on their own.

Answer 9

yes you can add it whenever you like, the fat will melt just the same but like you said you won't get the crispy bacon testure

Answer 10

Yes, I never cook the pork first.

Answer 11

Yes, you can add it raw. I add smoked turkey wings to my beans. It always turns out delicious.