Savory Southern Black-Eyed Peas

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

Welcome to a classic comfort dish that brings the heart of Southern cooking right to your kitchen: Savory Southern Black-Eyed Peas. This recipe is perfect for those cozy family dinners or when you want a taste of tradition. Let’s dive into this flavorful, satisfying dish!

Ingredients for Savory Southern Black-Eyed Peas

Black-eyed peas are the star of this dish, offering a soft texture and a mild flavor that absorbs the delicious seasonings. Smoked ham hock adds a deep, smoky flavor and a bit of meaty richness. The onion and garlic provide a savory base, while smoked paprika and cayenne pepper give a subtle kick and depth. Chicken broth enhances the overall flavor, and finally, fresh parsley adds a hint of freshness and color.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time, you can use canned black-eyed peas; just reduce the cooking time.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference or omit it if you prefer a milder dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these savory black-eyed peas over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside a slice of cornbread for a true Southern experience. They also pair well with sautéed greens like collard or mustard greens for a complete, hearty meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, after rinsing the peas, add all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How should I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Savory Southern Black-Eyed Peas Recipe Walkthrough

Start by giving your black-eyed peas a good rinse under cold water, picking out any debris. Once they're clean, place them in a large pot with 4 cups of water. Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour. This ensures the peas start to soften.

While the peas are simmering, prepare your other ingredients. Chop up the onion and mince the garlic. Once the hour is up, add the smoked ham hock to the pot along with the onion, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together so the flavors start to meld.

Pour in the chicken broth and bring the pot back to a simmer. Cook for another 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen and the peas to become perfectly tender.

Once the peas are tender, remove the ham hock. If you're like me and love a bit of extra meat, shred some of the ham hock and return it to the pot. Just before serving, stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh, herby finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Hearty and filling, perfect for any season.
  • Rich, smoky flavors from the ham hock.
  • Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
  • Great for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
  • Brings a touch of Southern charm to your table.

Ingredients

1 lb dried black-eyed peas
4 cups water
1 smoked ham hock
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the black-eyed peas, removing any debris.
2. In a large pot, combine black-eyed peas and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
3. Add the smoked ham hock, onion, garlic, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
4. Pour in chicken broth and bring mixture to a simmer. Cook for an additional 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender.
5. Remove the ham hock, shred any meat, and return to pot. Stir in chopped parsley before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!