Description
Master the Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe with this easy soul food technique Essential tips for tender flavorful peas every time Perfect side dish for holidays
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
- 1 large smoked ham hock
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the peas (Optional but Recommended): Place the sorted and rinsed peas in a large bowl and cover with several inches of water. Let them soak for at least 6 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
- Crisp the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Sauté the Veggies: Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the bacon fat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Everything Together: To the pot, add the drained black-eyed peas, ham hock, crispy bacon, chicken broth, water, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow: Bring the pot to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender.
- Season and Serve: Once the peas are tender, remove the bay leaves. Taste and season generously with salt and black pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve.
Notes
A comforting and flavorful Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe, simmered with smoky ham hock, aromatic vegetables, and spices. A traditional good luck charm for New Year’s and a delicious, hearty meal for any day.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 12 g
- Protein: 22 g
