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Classic Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe

A white bowl filled with a savory black eyed peas recipe, topped with a piece of ham or smoked meat.
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Make traditional Southern Black Eyed Peas that are smoky, tender, and packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect for a hearty dinner or for New Year’s tradition.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
  • 8 cups water or chicken broth
  • 1 smoked ham hock or 4 ounces smoked bacon, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed black eyed peas and water or broth in a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until peas begin to soften.
  2. In a separate skillet, cook the diced ham hock or bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the meat and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of fat in the skillet.
  3. Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Add the sautéed vegetables, cooked ham hock/bacon, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot with the peas.
  5. Continue to simmer, partially covered, for another 45 to 60 minutes, or until the peas are completely tender. Add more water or broth if the mixture becomes too dry.
  6. Remove the bay leaf and ham hock bone. Stir in the salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar, if using. Taste and adjust seasonings.
  7. Simmer uncovered for the last 15 minutes to allow the liquid to reduce slightly and the flavors to meld. Serve hot over rice or with cornbread.

Notes

  • For a quicker method, use an Instant Pot: Combine peas, broth, ham hock, onion, celery, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes, then allow for a Natural Pressure Release for 15 minutes before quick releasing the remaining pressure.
  • If you skip the ham hock, add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth, adding extra smoked paprika for depth.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/black-eyed-peas-recipe-southern-easy/