Description
A hearty and flavorful Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe that is perfect for New Year’s Day or any time of the year. This comforting dish features tender black-eyed peas cooked with aromatic vegetables and savory smoked ham, seasoned with a blend of spices for a soul-warming meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Black-Eyed Peas:
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
Vegetable Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced smoked ham
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 bay leaf
Liquid:
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
Instructions
- Prep the Black-Eyed Peas: Soak the black-eyed peas overnight in water or use the quick soak method. Drain and rinse before cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper in olive oil until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Cook the Peas: Combine soaked black-eyed peas, ham hock or ham, seasonings, and broth in the pot. Simmer for 1 ½ to 2 hours until peas are tender.
- Final Touches: Remove bay leaf and ham hock, shred meat if using, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Notes
- This dish is a traditional New Year’s Day meal in the South, believed to bring good luck.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead.
- Additional greens like collards or kale can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course or Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
