Description
A comforting Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe featuring tender black-eyed peas simmered with smoked ham hock, aromatic spices, and broth for a flavorful, traditional dish often enjoyed on New Year’s Day for good luck.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced smoked ham
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Black-eyed Peas: Rinse the black-eyed peas and remove any debris. Soak them overnight in cold water, then drain and rinse before cooking. Alternatively, use the quick soak method by boiling them in water for 2 minutes, then letting them sit, covered, for 1 hour.
- Sauté Vegetables and Ham: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients to Pot: Add the smoked ham hock (or diced ham), drained black-eyed peas, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and paprika to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Peas: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add more water if necessary to keep the peas just covered.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and, if using, the ham hock. Shred the meat from the ham hock and stir it back into the pot. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Notes
- Traditionally served on New Year’s Day for good luck, often accompanied by collard greens and cornbread.
- Can be made in a slow cooker by cooking on low for 7–8 hours, allowing flavors to develop fully.
- If you prefer vegetarian, omit the ham and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegan version.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on the saltiness of your broth and ham.
- Leftovers store well and taste even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
