The smell alone takes me backSunday at grandma’s, soft steam in the kitchen, cornbread cooling on the counter. A pot bubbling nearby, full of Black Eyed Peas, the sound of a wooden spoon stirring something magical. This cozy classic is popping back up big timeeverywhere from Pinterest to New Year’s good-luck posts.
This recipe hits that sweet spot between comfort and no-fuss. A few pantry staples (we’re talking broth, onion, and beans), and you’ve got a bowl that tastes like an all-day simmerwithout, ya know, actually spending all day. Think Southern-style speed version. Full details in the blog!
I first tested this after my sister texted in a panic“how do you make those peas taste like mom’s??” We grew up with them on the stove all winter, but this trick even works in a slow cooker. I added my best swap secrets too. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Enjoy a delicious recipe featuring Black Eyed Peas perfect for New Years celebrations. Learn How To Cook Black Eyed Peas in a flavorful Southern style with smoked meats and spices. This dish offers comfort and tradition in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb black-eyed peas
10 cups chicken stock
1 smoked turkey leg
1 lb smoked pork neck bones
3 tbsp grapeseed oil
3 tbsp green seasoning
3 tbsp smoked paprika
2 tbsp black pepper
2 tbsp garlic pepper
2 tbsp adobo
2 bay leaves
1 sprig of thyme
1 red onion finely diced
4 garlic cloves minced
Instructions
Cover the black-eyed peas with about 6 cups of water and let them soak for approximately 4 hours until most water is absorbed.
Heat the oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat and add the diced onion and green seasoning, cooking for 2 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook until you can smell the aroma.
Add the smoked turkey leg and pork neck bones along with 4 cups of chicken stock, bay leaves, and thyme. Transfer everything to a pressure cooker and cook for one hour or simmer on the stove for 2 hours until the meat is very tender.
Remove bones and skin from the meat and return the meat to the pot with the cooking liquid if pressure cooked.
Incorporate the soaked black-eyed peas, remaining chicken stock, smoked paprika, adobo, black pepper, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes into the pot.
Simmer the mixture over medium heat for an additional 1 hour and 30 minutes until beans are fully cooked.
Serve warm with white rice or cornbread to enjoy a festive New Year’s meal.
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:3 hours 30 minutes
Category:Main Course
Method:Pressure Cooker
Cuisine:American
Nutrition
Calories:300 kcal
Sugar:5g
Sodium:600mg
Fat:12g
Saturated Fat:4g
Unsaturated Fat:2g + 8g
Trans Fat:0g
Carbohydrates:28g
Fiber:3g
Protein:20g
Cholesterol:70mg
Why You’ll Love This Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Imagine a pot of black-eyed peas simmering, infused with the smoky goodness of turkey and pork, their comforting aroma filling your homepure bliss. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up, even if cooking dried beans feels intimidating.
Classic Southern Charm: This recipe offers all the heartwarming, soul-soothing flavor of traditional Southern black-eyed peas.
Rich, Savory Depth: With smoked turkey, pork neck bones, and a blend of spices, the flavor is bold and perfectly balanced.
Perfect for Beginners: The instructions are easy to follow, and it’s a forgiving recipeno need for perfection here!
Great for Gatherings: This recipe yields enough to feed a crowd, making it a go-to for holidays like New Year’s Day.
Key Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down the magic behind this black-eyed peas recipe. Its simplicity is what makes it shine, and every ingredient plays a role in building that smoky, savory flavor that we all crave.
Black-Eyed Peas: The star ingredientsmall, creamy legumes with just a touch of nuttiness. Be sure to soak them ahead of time to speed up cooking.
Smoked Turkey Leg & Pork Neck Bones: These bring the smoky, umami goodness. If you’re new to cooking with them, don’t worrythey’re easy to handle and add incredible depth.
Aromatics: Red onion, garlic, and green seasoning form the flavorful base of the dish.
Chicken Stock: The cooking liquid that layers in richness while keeping the peas tender and juicy.
Spices: Smoked paprika, black pepper, adobo, and garlic pepper effortlessly pump up the flavor game.
Pro Tip: Can’t find green seasoning? You can use a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, and green onions for a similar punch of flavor.
How to Cook Black Eyed Peas Step-by-Step
Cooking black-eyed peas doesn’t have to be stressful. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pot of Southern goodness ready to go:
Soak the peas: Start by soaking your black-eyed peas in water for about 4 hours. This softens them up and ensures even cooking.
Sauté the aromatics: Heat grapeseed oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add diced red onion and green seasoning, sautéing until fragrant. Toss in minced garlic for the last minute.
Add the meat: Stir in the smoked turkey leg and pork neck bones. Pour in 4 cups of chicken stock along with bay leaves and a sprig of thyme. Bring to a gentle boil.
Tenderize the meat: Cover and cook on the stove for 2 hours (or 1 hour in a pressure cooker) until the meat is soft and falling off the bone.
Shred the meat: Remove and discard all bones and skin. Place the shredded meat back into the pot.
Finish the dish: Add the soaked black-eyed peas, remaining chicken stock, smoked paprika, adobo, garlic pepper, and black pepper. Simmer for an additional 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water if it gets too thick.
That’s it! Spoon it up and serve with white rice or freshly baked cornbread. Comfort food perfection.
Pro Tips & Easy Customizations
This recipe is as flexible as your pantry. Here are a few tricks to make it foolproof:
No pork? Swap the neck bones for extra smoked turkey or even beef shanks for a different twist.
Short on time? Use canned black-eyed peas for a faster versionjust cut down the simmering time to 30 minutes.
Boost the heat: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Shortcut: If you plan ahead, you can prep and freeze cooked black-eyed peas for up to 6 months. They reheat beautifully and cut your cooking time in half for future batches.
How to Serve & Store Black-Eyed Peas
This dish isn’t just for New Year’s luck; it’s great anytime you need a cozy, satisfying meal. Here’s how to make the most of it:
Serving Ideas
Storage Tips
Serve over fluffy white rice or alongside buttery cornbread.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Pair with collard greens for a full Southern spread.
To reheat, gently warm on the stove with a splash of chicken stock to loosen.
Enjoy as a hearty standalone soup-style dish.
Freeze individual portions and thaw overnight before reheating.
Whether it’s the center of a feast or a weeknight dinner, these black-eyed peas are guaranteed to shine!
Expert Says
Black eyed peas are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, which support digestion and help maintain steady energy levels. Slow simmering these legumes enhances their creamy texture while preserving their nutritional value, making them both a hearty and wholesome addition to any meal.
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The Quest for the Best Black-Eyed Peas
I won’t lie, nailing the perfect black-eyed peas recipe took a handful of triesand more than one overcooked pot. From learning how to balance seasoning to finding the right simmer time, this recipe is the sum of all those little kitchen lessons and a few patient family taste tests.
FAQs ( Black-Eyed Peas )
How long should I soak black-eyed peas before cooking?
Soaking black-eyed peas for 4 to 6 hours softens them and reduces cooking time, but it is optional. If short on time, a quick 1-hour soak or no soak works too; just expect a longer simmer. For this recipe, pre-soaking helps achieve tender peas without overcooking.
Can I use canned peas in this dish instead of dried?
Canned peas save time but can be softer and less flavorful than dried. If using canned, rinse them well and add near the end of cooking to avoid mushiness. The texture and taste of this meal benefit from cooking with dried peas, but canned is a convenient alternative.
What are the best seasonings for Southern black-eyed peas?
Traditional seasoning includes smoky ham hock or bacon, along with onion, garlic, and bay leaves. Salt and black pepper enhance flavor; a touch of cayenne or smoked paprika adds depth. These staples create the authentic taste that makes this recipe distinctly Southern.
How can I make a healthy blackeyed peas salad?
Use cooked black-eyed peas chilled, then add diced bell peppers, red onions, tomatoes, and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a light, nutritious salad. This mix creates a bright, wholesome side or light meal.
What is the best way to cook black-eyed peas in a slow cooker?
Rinse peas and soak for a few hours before draining. Add to the slow cooker with broth, aromatics, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours until tender. Slow cooking develops rich flavors and requires minimal hands-on time, perfect for this dish’s soul.
Conclusion
After just a couple of hours simmering away, this Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe delivers that perfect tender bite and smoky aroma that fills your kitchen with cozy nostalgia. You’ll love how the flavors deepen without hours of babysitting the potcomfort food that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into something a little more special and satisfying.
Here’s a little secret I picked up from my aunt’s kitchen: swapping pork for smoked turkey keeps it lean but still bursting with flavor. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cayenne for a gentle heat or top your bowl with fresh herbs for a bright twist. Leftovers? Pop them in the fridge and gently reheat with a splash of stockthe taste actually mellows and gets even better the next day.
Did making this How To Cook Black Eyed Peas recipe remind you of family traditions or inspire new kitchen wins? I’d love to see your photos or hear your stories! Save this recipe to your favorites or share it with someone who needs a little homemade comfort. Here’s to meals that warm our hearts and homes alike!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
