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Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey

A creamy, savory bowl filled with cooked black eyed peas and thick sauce, sitting on a wooden table.
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Make traditional, flavorful Southern Black Eyed Peas that are creamy and smoky. This recipe uses smoked turkey for depth and is great for New Year’s Day luck or any comfort meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
  • 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 smoked turkey wing or 1 ham hock (or 1 teaspoon liquid smoke for vegan version)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon grease
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed black eyed peas, water or broth, and smoked turkey wing (or ham hock) in a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
  2. While the peas simmer, prepare the aromatics. In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil or bacon grease over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. After the peas have simmered for 1 hour, remove the turkey wing/ham hock. Shred any usable meat from the bone and return it to the pot. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
  5. Add the sautéed aromatic mixture to the pot of peas. Stir well.
  6. Continue to simmer, partially covered, for another 30 to 45 minutes, or until the peas are tender and the liquid has thickened to a creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  7. Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If you skipped the meat, add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke now for a smoky flavor.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. These peas pair well with rice or cornbread.

Notes

  • For a faster method, use an Instant Pot: Combine peas, liquid, and meat in the pot. Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes, then allow a Natural Pressure Release for 15 minutes before quick releasing the rest. Sauté aromatics separately and stir in after pressure cooking.
  • To make this recipe Vegan Black Eyed Peas, omit the turkey/ham hock and use vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked salt during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a deep, smoky taste.
  • If you are planning your weekly meals, these peas store well and taste even better the next day. They are a great component for meal planning.

Nutrition

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