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Authentic Southern Black-Eyed Peas with Smoky Flavor

Close-up of a white bowl filled with cooked black eyed peas topped with chunks of crispy bacon.
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Make truly flavorful Southern Black-Eyed Peas that taste amazing without complicated steps. This recipe delivers deep, traditional comfort food flavor, perfect for a hearty side dish or New Year’s tradition.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
  • 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 smoked ham hock or 4 ounces smoked turkey (or bacon for a smoky alternative)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed black-eyed peas, water or broth, ham hock (or smoked turkey), onion, garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, and bay leaf into a large pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove the ham hock or turkey piece. If using a ham hock, shred any usable meat from the bone and return it to the pot. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
  5. Stir in the salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you prefer creamy black-eyed peas, mash about 1/4 cup of the peas against the side of the pot and stir them in.
  7. Serve hot, often over rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a slow cooker black eyed peas recipe, combine all ingredients except vinegar in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in vinegar before serving.
  • If you want a vegan black eyed peas recipe, omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth, adding an extra teaspoon of smoked paprika for depth.
  • These peas taste even better the next day, making them great for meal prep.

Nutrition

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