Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe

There’s something truly special about sitting down to a big, comforting bowl of the Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe—it’s a warm hug from the South, packed with savory, smoky flavor and a little kick of spice. This dish has been a staple in my kitchen every New Year’s Day, but honestly, I crave it all year long. Whether you’re new to soul food or grew up with it simmering in your family’s kitchen, this is the kind of meal that brings everyone together and fills the house with irresistible aromas. If you’re looking to try the Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe that’s equal parts soul-soothing and hearty, keep reading and get ready to stir up a pot of pure Southern comfort!

Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the joys of this timeless Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe is just how straightforward the ingredients are—nothing fancy, just wholesome pantry staples and a few flavorful additions. Each ingredient works together to create a dish full of heart and depth, with a perfect balance of savory, silky, and smoky notes.

  • Black-eyed peas: Use dried peas for that authentic creamy texture and rich flavor—they soak up all the seasoning beautifully as they cook.
  • Olive oil: Just a tablespoon gets those onions started with the perfect amount of richness.
  • Yellow onion: Dice it up small; it melts into the base and builds sweet, mellow depth throughout the stew.
  • Garlic cloves: Minced and quick-sautéed, these bring a gentle aromatic kick that warms every bite.
  • Smoked ham hock or smoked turkey: The heart of the flavor—a smoky, meaty addition that infuses every spoonful with savory Southern goodness (use turkey for a lighter option!).
  • Chicken broth or water: Using broth gives richer flavor, but water works in a pinch—the peas will still soak up all those seasonings.
  • Salt: Essential for waking up all the flavors; you can always adjust at the end.
  • Black pepper: Adds warmth and balances the natural earthiness of the peas.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat; add more or less to taste.
  • Bay leaves: These aromatic leaves infuse the dish with subtle herbal notes—just remember to remove them before serving!
  • Thyme: Whether you use dried or fresh, thyme brings an earthy, fragrant background that complements the peas beautifully.
  • Apple cider vinegar: Stirred in at the very end, it brightens up the entire dish and makes the flavors pop.

How to Make Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe

Step 1: Soak the Peas

Start by giving your dried black-eyed peas a good rinse and sort through to remove any debris. Soak them overnight in a big bowl of cool water, which softens them up for even cooking. If you’re short on time, you can use a quick soak method: just boil them for two minutes, then cover and let them sit for about an hour. Drain the peas and set them aside—they’re now ready to soak up some Southern soul!

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In a large pot or sturdy Dutch oven, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and let them cook for three to four minutes until they turn translucent and soft, creating the delicious foundation for your dish. Sprinkle in the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until it’s nicely fragrant—this little step fills your kitchen with that classic home-cooked aroma.

Step 3: Add Smoked Meat and Peas

Drop in your smoked ham hock or diced smoked turkey right with your perfectly sautéed base. Pour the soaked black-eyed peas into the pot, followed by the chicken broth (or water for a lighter version). This is where the big Southern flavors start to come together—let your smoky meat start to infuse every single pea.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like things spicy), bay leaves, and your thyme. Give everything a gentle stir, make sure those spices are spread out, and then bring your pot to a steady boil. As soon as it’s bubbling, turn the heat down and let those peas simmer uncovered for 90 minutes to two hours, giving it an occasional stir. The peas will turn beautifully tender and soak up all the broth and smoky goodness.

Step 5: Finish and Adjust

When the peas are soft and the whole mixture looks luscious, remove the bay leaves and ham hock. If you used a ham hock, shred the meat and return it to the pot—no delicious bit left behind! Finally, stir in the apple cider vinegar for that perfect tang. Taste, and add a touch more salt or pepper if needed. Your Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe is now ready to shine!

How to Serve Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe

Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

The beauty of this Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe is in the finishing touches. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds a welcome pop of color and freshness. For a spicy twist, try a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of extra red pepper flakes right before serving.

Side Dishes

This dish absolutely loves company! Traditionally, it’s paired with fluffy steamed rice or a giant slice of homemade cornbread for soaking up all the savory broth. Collard greens or sautéed okra make excellent greens to round out your spread, and some people even enjoy a side of tangy pickled vegetables.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe in rustic soup bowls, scattered with herbs and a wedge of lemon on the side. For gatherings, consider ladling the peas over grits or nestling them in baked sweet potatoes for a fun twist. Leftovers also make a hearty topping for toast or a simple flatbread lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen and meld overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. These black-eyed peas will keep well in the fridge for up to four days.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch of this Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe, you’re in luck—it freezes wonderfully! Place cooled peas in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little room for expansion. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months and make for a savory, quick weeknight meal straight from the freezer.

Reheating

To reheat, simply transfer the peas to a pot over medium-low heat and stir gently until hot. If the mixture has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to revive that beautiful, saucy texture. You can also microwave individual portions for a speedy lunch or dinner.

FAQs

Can I make this Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the ham hock or smoked turkey and use vegetable broth instead. For that classic smokiness, add a pinch of smoked paprika or even some liquid smoke—your peas will still be packed with flavor.

Do I have to soak the black-eyed peas?

Soaking helps the peas cook evenly and cuts down on the simmering time, but if you forget or are short on time, you can try the quick-soak method. Just remember, unsoaked peas may take longer to get tender.

What if I can’t find a ham hock?

No worries! Smoked turkey (like turkey wings or leg) is a great alternative and is often easier to find. You can even use diced smoked sausage or skip the meat entirely for a plants-only version.

Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?

Yes, but keep in mind the texture will be much softer and you’ll want to cut the cooking time way down. Rinse canned peas well, add them after sautéing your aromatics, and simmer for about 30 minutes with the smoked meat and seasonings.

How spicy is the Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe?

With the red pepper flakes, there’s a gentle warmth, not full-on spicy. Feel free to dial the spice up or down according to your tastes—or leave it out entirely for a milder stew the whole family can enjoy.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t yet experienced the hearty magic of this Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe, I hope you’ll give it a try very soon. Whether you’re making it for tradition, comfort, or a little extra luck, it’s a dish that always delivers big on flavor and brings people together. There’s nothing better than sharing this soulful meal around your table—enjoy every bite!

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Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe

Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 12 reviews
  • Author: Deborah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

A classic Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe that is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. This dish is a staple in Southern cuisine and is packed with protein and fiber.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced smoked turkey
  • 6 cups chicken broth or water
  • 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ½ teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar


Instructions

  1. Soak the black-eyed peas: Overnight in water or use quick-soak method.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic: In olive oil until soft.
  3. Add remaining ingredients: Including ham hock, peas, broth, spices.
  4. Simmer: Uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours.
  5. Finish and serve: Remove bay leaves and ham hock, shred meat, add vinegar, adjust seasoning, and serve.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit meat and use vegetable broth.
  • Add smoked paprika for extra flavor.
  • Delicious over rice or with cornbread.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 260
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

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