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Classic Southern Black Eyed Peas

Close-up of a white bowl filled with a savory black eyed peas recipe, featuring tender beans and sautéed onions in broth.
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Make this rich, smoky, and flavorful Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe. It is a traditional dish perfect for comfort or New Year’s good luck.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
  • 6 cups water or broth
  • 1 smoked ham hock or 4 ounces smoked bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed black eyed peas in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover with water or broth. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight, then drain.
  2. Return the soaked peas to the pot. Add the ham hock or bacon, onion, celery, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, and smoked paprika. Add enough fresh water or broth to cover the peas by about 2 inches.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer.
  4. Cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the liquid reduces too much, add a little more water or broth.
  5. Remove and discard the bay leaf and ham hock bone (shred any meat from the hock and return it to the pot if desired).
  6. Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
  7. Simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  8. Serve hot, perhaps alongside cornbread. This recipe is a great alternative to complex meal planning for a hearty side dish.

Notes

  • For a quicker method, you can use an Instant Pot. Cook the soaked peas with the remaining ingredients on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
  • If you skip the ham hock, you can achieve a smoky flavor using liquid smoke or smoked paprika, making this suitable for a vegan diet.
  • These peas reheat well and are excellent for batch cooking, similar to what you might get from best meal delivery services, but homemade.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/black-eyed-peas-recipe/