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Classic Southern Black Eyed Peas

A close-up of rich, saucy black eyed peas served in a white bowl, glistening in natural light.
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A traditional, hearty recipe for Southern-style black eyed peas, seasoned with smoky meat and perfect as a side dish or for New Year’s tradition.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas
  • 6 cups chicken broth or water
  • 4 ounces smoked ham hock or bacon, cut into pieces
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the dried black eyed peas under cold water. Discard any small stones or damaged peas. You do not need to soak them for this recipe.
  2. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the rinsed black eyed peas, broth or water, ham hock or bacon, onion, celery, bell pepper, thyme, and bay leaf.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. About 15 minutes before the peas are done, stir in the minced garlic.
  6. Remove the bay leaf and the ham hock bone (if using). Shred any meat from the bone and return it to the pot.
  7. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, if desired.
  8. For creamy peas, mash about 1/4 cup of the cooked peas against the side of the pot and stir them back in to thicken the liquid.
  9. Serve hot as a side dish.

Notes

  • For a vegan or vegetarian version, omit the ham hock or bacon. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, remove the lid for the last 20 minutes of cooking.
  • For slow cooker preparation, combine all ingredients (except vinegar) in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in vinegar before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/classic-southern-black-eyed-peas-recipe/