Description
Hearty, smoky Southern black eyed peas slow-simmered with bacon, ham, and aromatic seasonings a comforting classic perfect for New Year’s or any cozy meal. Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to vegetarian, vegan, or low-sodium diets.
Ingredients
– 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
– 3–4 slices bacon, diced
– 1 ham bone or ham shank (with meat)
– ½ cup yellow onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1–1½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
– ½–1 teaspoon black pepper
– ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 5–6 cups chicken stock (or vegetable stock for vegetarian/vegan)
– Water, as needed
Instructions
- Soak peas: Overnight in water, OR use the quick-soak method—cover peas with water, boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat, cover, and let sit 30–60 minutes. Drain and rinse.
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crispy (5–7 minutes). Remove bacon and set aside; leave drippings in pot.
- Add diced onion to bacon drippings and sauté until translucent (3–4 minutes). Stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using); cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Return bacon to pot (if using), then add soaked black-eyed peas, ham bone or shank, and chicken stock.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 to 1½ hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are fork-tender. Add water as needed to maintain desired consistency.
- Remove ham bone, shred any meat off the bone, and return meat to the pot. Discard bone.
- (Optional) For a creamier texture, blend 1–2 cups of the peas and broth, then stir back into the pot.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with spicy vinegar, hot sauce, cornbread, or over rice.
Notes
– For vegetarian/vegan: Omit bacon and ham; use 1–2 teaspoons smoked paprika + 1 tablespoon soy sauce or liquid smoke for depth; use vegetable broth.
– For low-sodium: Use low-sodium broth and limit added salt; rinse soaked peas well.
– Canned peas option: Use 3 (15-oz) cans (drained and rinsed); reduce cooking time to 20–30 minutes.
– Add-ins: Diced tomatoes, collard greens, or smoked sausage make great additions.
– Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors deepen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ soaking time if using dried peas)
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Side Dish (or Main for plant-based versions)
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern / American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: ~280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg (varies with broth and ham)
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 11g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 20mg