Southern Black Eyed Peas: A Delicious Recipe for a Classic Southern Dish

Southern Black Eyed Peas are more than just a delicious dish; they are a symbol of good luck and prosperity, especially in the Southern United States. Traditionally served on New Year’s Day, these humble legumes have a rich history that dates back to African American culture, where they were often associated with resilience and hope. I remember the first time I tasted Southern Black Eyed Peas; the creamy texture combined with the savory spices created a flavor explosion that left me craving more. People love this dish not only for its comforting taste but also for its convenience—it’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed in various ways, from a hearty stew to a refreshing salad. Join me as we explore the delightful world of Southern Black Eyed Peas and discover why this dish has captured the hearts and palates of so many.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
• 6 cups water (for soaking)
• 4 cups water (for cooking)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced smoked sausage (optional for flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon grease
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 2 cups collard greens or spinach, chopped (optional)
• Hot sauce (for serving, optional)

Preparing the Black-Eyed Peas

First things first, we need to prepare our black-eyed peas. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

1. Start by rinsing the dried black-eyed peas under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. I like to use a colander for this step.
2. Next, place the rinsed peas in a large bowl and cover them with 6 cups of water. Let them soak for at least 6 hours or overnight. Soaking helps to soften the peas and reduces cooking time.
3. After soaking, drain the peas and set them aside. You’ll notice they’ve plumped up a bit, which is exactly what we want!

Cooking the Black-Eyed Peas

Now that our peas are prepped, it’s time to cook them to perfection.

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or bacon grease over medium heat. The fat adds a wonderful flavor to the dish.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, and it’s just delightful!
3. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
4. If you’re using a smoked ham hock or sausage, add it to the pot now. This will infuse the peas with a rich, smoky flavor.
5. Now, it’s time to add the soaked black-eyed peas to the pot. Pour in 4 cups of fresh water, and then add the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), bay leaf, and thyme. Stir everything together.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally and check for doneness. The peas should be tender but not mushy.

Adding Flavor and Greens

While the peas are simmering, we can add some extra flavor and nutrition with greens.

1. After about 30 minutes of cooking, add the diced tomatoes to the pot. This will add a nice acidity and depth of flavor to the dish.
2. If you’re using collard greens or spinach, add them in the last 15 minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt down and blend beautifully with the peas.
3. Continue to simmer until the peas are tender and the greens are cooked through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might want to add a bit more salt or pepper depending on your preference.

Final Touches

Once everything is cooked to perfection, it’s time to finish up our dish.

1. Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaf. If you used a ham hock, you can remove it as well, shred any meat from the bone, and return the meat to the pot for added flavor.
2. Give everything a good stir to combine all the flavors. The black-eyed peas should be creamy and delicious, with the greens and tomatoes adding a lovely color.
3. Let the dish sit for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.

Conclusion:

In summary, this Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to bring a taste of the South into their kitchen. Not only is it packed with flavor, but it also carries a rich cultural significance, often associated with good luck and prosperity, especially when served on New Year’s Day. The combination of spices, herbs, and the hearty texture of the black-eyed peas creates a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Southern Black Eyed Peas with cornbread for a classic Southern meal, or serve them over rice for a filling and nutritious option. You can also add a splash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little kick or toss in some diced ham or bacon for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different herbs or even adding some greens like collard or kale for a nutritious twist. I encourage you to give this Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe a try and make it your own! Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight dinner, I promise you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve made it, I would love to hear about your experience—feel free to share your thoughts, variations, or any tips you discovered along the way. Happy cooking, and may your Southern Black Eyed Peas bring you all the luck and joy they promise! Print

Southern Black Eyed Peas: A Delicious Recipe for a Classic Southern Dish
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• Author: Maria
• Total Time: 70 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
Print Recipe
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Description
This comforting black-eyed peas dish is rich in flavor and nutrients, featuring a smoky depth from optional ham hock or sausage. Enhanced with greens and tomatoes, it serves as a wholesome meal or side, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy it on its own or with a splash of hot sauce for added heat.
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Ingredients
Scale 1x2x3x
• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
• 6 cups water (for soaking)
• 4 cups water (for cooking)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced smoked sausage (optional for flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or bacon grease
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 2 cups collard greens or spinach, chopped (optional)
• Hot sauce (for serving, optional)
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Instructions
1. Rinse the dried black-eyed peas under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Place the rinsed peas in a large bowl and cover them with 6 cups of water. Let them soak for at least 6 hours or overnight.
3. After soaking, drain the peas and set them aside.
4. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or bacon grease over medium heat.
5. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
6. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
7. If using, add the smoked ham hock or sausage to the pot.
8. Add the soaked black-eyed peas to the pot, pour in 4 cups of fresh water, and add the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), bay leaf, and thyme. Stir everything together.
9. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
10. After about 30 minutes of cooking, add the diced tomatoes to the pot.
11. If using collard greens or spinach, add them in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
12. Continue to simmer until the peas are tender and the greens are cooked through. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
13. Remove the pot from heat and discard the bay leaf. If you used a ham hock, remove it, shred any meat from the bone, and return the meat to the pot.
14. Stir to combine all the flavors. The black-eyed peas should be creamy and delicious.
15. Let the dish sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially the salt and pepper.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock or sausage and consider adding smoked paprika for flavor.
• Serve with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes