Hearty Black-Eyed Peas

A soul-warming dish featuring black-eyed peas simmered with savory smoked ham and aromatic spices, offering a rich and comforting taste of the American South.
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 2 hours
Serves: 6

Ingredients

1 lb dried black-eyed peas
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 smoked ham hock
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp thyme

Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the black-eyed peas, then soak them in water for at least 6 hours or overnight.
2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
4. Add the soaked and drained black-eyed peas to the pot along with the smoked ham hock.
5. Pour in chicken broth and water, then season with salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, and thyme.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours or until the peas are tender and the flavors meld together.
7. Remove the ham hock, shred any remaining meat, and stir it back into the pot.
8. Discard the bay leaf before serving. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

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This recipe is for informational purposes only. Always follow proper food safety practices, cook foods to safe internal temperatures, and store leftovers appropriately. Results may vary.