Description
A classic Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe featuring tender black-eyed peas simmered with smoky ham hock and aromatic seasonings, perfect for a comforting main or side dish. This dish is traditionally enjoyed on New Year’s Day for good luck and can be customized to be vegetarian. Serve it over rice or with cornbread for a hearty soul food meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb dried black-eyed peas (rinsed and soaked overnight or quick-soaked)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced smoked ham
- 6 cups chicken broth or water
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon thyme (dried or fresh)
- 2 green onions (chopped, for garnish)
- Hot sauce (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the black-eyed peas: If using dried black-eyed peas, soak them overnight in plenty of water, or use a quick-soak method by boiling the peas for 5 minutes then letting them sit, covered, for 1 hour. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add smoked meat and liquids: Place the smoked ham hock or diced smoked ham into the pot. Add the soaked black-eyed peas, chicken broth or water, bay leaves, thyme, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer the peas: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 1 to 1½ hours. Cook until the black-eyed peas are tender and the broth has reduced slightly. Stir occasionally, and add more broth or water as needed to keep the peas covered.
- Final seasoning and serving: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Remove bay leaves and ham hock before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions and a splash of hot sauce if desired. Serve warm over white rice or with cornbread.
Notes
- This dish is traditionally served on New Year’s Day in the Southern United States for good luck and prosperity.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Serve with white rice, cornbread, or your choice of Southern sides for a complete meal.
