Southern-Style Black-Eyed Peas

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 1 hour 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Welcome to a delightful journey into Southern cooking with our Southern-Style Black-Eyed Peas recipe. This dish combines smoky, savory flavors with a hint of spice, making it a perfect comfort food for any season.

Ingredients for Southern-Style Black-Eyed Peas

Black-eyed peas are the star of this dish, bringing a hearty texture and slightly nutty flavor. Smoked bacon adds an irresistible smoky depth. Onion and garlic form the aromatic base, enhancing each bite. A touch of smoked paprika and cayenne pepper provides warmth and complexity, while salt and black pepper balance the seasoning. A single bay leaf gently infuses the stew with a subtle herbal note. Apple cider vinegar brightens up the flavors at the end, and a drizzle of olive oil ties everything together. Finally, a sprinkle of green onions adds a fresh, crisp finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • Pre-soak the peas overnight to reduce cooking time, though it’s not necessary.
  • If you like a thicker consistency, mash some of the peas against the pot's side.
  • For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use smoked paprika for a similar flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these black-eyed peas with a side of cornbread or over a bed of fluffy rice for a full Southern experience. Pair with collard greens or a simple green salad to complement the richness of the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned peas to save time. Just reduce the cooking time and drain the canned peas before adding them to the pot.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Southern-Style Black-Eyed Peas Recipe Walkthrough

Start by rinsing and sorting your black-eyed peas. This ensures any debris or bad peas are removed. Once sorted, place them in a large pot and cover with six cups of water. Bring the pot to a boil and then immediately reduce it to a simmer. This gentle cooking method helps the peas become tender without breaking apart.

While the peas are simmering, grab a skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in the chopped smoked bacon and let it cook until it's nice and crispy. Once the bacon is done, scoop it out with a slotted spoon, leaving that flavorful grease in the skillet.

Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant. This should take just a few minutes. Once ready, transfer the onion and garlic, along with the crispy bacon, into the pot with the peas.

Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf. Let everything simmer together for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.

As the final touch, stir in the apple cider vinegar and olive oil. These ingredients brighten and round out the dish. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving for safety and taste. Top with a sprinkle of green onions to add a pop of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Deep, smoky flavors from the bacon and spices.
  • Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings.
  • Easy to prepare with simple, accessible ingredients.
  • Rich in protein and fiber, making it nutritious and filling.

Ingredients

1 lb dried black-eyed peas
6 cups water
4 slices smoked bacon, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 bay leaf
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
2 green onions, chopped for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the black-eyed peas.
2. In a large pot, add the peas and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the grease in the skillet.
4. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and sauté until translucent.
5. Add the bacon, onion, and garlic to the pot with the peas.
6. Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf, and let it simmer for about 1 hour or until peas are tender.
7. Stir in the apple cider vinegar and olive oil.
8. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
9. Garnish with green onions.

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