Black-Eyed Peas
A quintessential Southern comfort food, these black-eyed peas are simmered low and slow with a smoky ham hock until they're creamy and tender. Infused with aromatics and a touch of spice, this hearty dish is traditionally served on New Year's Day for good luck and prosperity.
For 6 servings
6 steps. 90 minutes total.
- 1
Soak the Peas (Optional)
- a.Place the rinsed black-eyed peas in a large bowl and cover with cold water by at least 3 inches. Let them soak for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse well before cooking. This step reduces cooking time and helps them cook more evenly.
- 2
Cook Bacon and Sauté Aromatics
- a.In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add the chopped bacon. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Add the chopped onion and celery to the pot and sauté for 5-6 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- 3
Combine and Simmer
- a.Add the drained peas, smoked ham hock, chicken broth, water, bay leaf, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and optional red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir to combine. Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- 4
Slow Cook to Tenderness
- a.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 60 to 90 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The peas are done when they are completely tender. If the liquid reduces too much, add a splash of water or broth.
- 5
Finish the Dish
- a.Carefully remove the ham hock and bay leaf from the pot; discard the bay leaf. Once the hock is cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone, discarding any skin, fat, and the bone. Return the shredded meat to the pot. Stir in the salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 5 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Serve. Ladle the hot black-eyed peas into bowls. Garnish with the reserved crispy bacon and fresh parsley. Serve immediately with a side of cornbread and collard greens for a classic Southern meal.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a creamier texture, mash about 1/2 cup of the cooked peas against the side of the pot with a spoon, then stir them back into the dish.
- 2Wait to add salt until the peas are tender. Salting beans too early can sometimes toughen their skins.
- 3The liquid in the pot, known as 'pot likker,' is incredibly flavorful. Be sure to serve plenty of it with the peas.
- 4Don't skip the apple cider vinegar! A splash of acidity at the end brightens the rich, savory flavors of the dish.
- 5The flavor deepens overnight. Leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days are often even better the next day.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Omit the bacon and ham hock. Sauté the aromatics in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke or use a smoked salt to replicate the smoky flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicy VersionSpicy Version
Add one or two chopped jalapeños along with the onion and celery. Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
Different Smoked MeatDifferent Smoked Meat
Instead of a ham hock, you can use a smoked turkey wing or leg for a similar smoky flavor with less fat. Sliced andouille sausage added in the last 20 minutes of cooking is also a delicious option.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Black-eyed peas are packed with dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and contributes to a feeling of fullness.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
This dish provides a substantial amount of plant-based protein, essential for muscle repair, immune function, and overall body maintenance.
Supports Heart Health
The high fiber and potassium content in black-eyed peas can help manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels, contributing to a healthy cardiovascular system.
High in Folate
Black-eyed peas are a great source of folate (Vitamin B9), a crucial nutrient for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and preventing birth defects during pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, it can be a very healthy dish. Black-eyed peas are an excellent source of fiber, plant-based protein, folate, and iron. To make it healthier, you can use a smoked turkey wing instead of ham hock to reduce saturated fat, use low-sodium broth, and be mindful of the amount of bacon used.