black eyed peas recipe ideas

Black Eyed Peas Recipe

This black eyed peas recipe is a comforting Southern classic that’s rich, hearty, and full of slow-simmered flavor. Traditionally enjoyed for good luck on New Year’s Day, it’s also perfect year-round as a satisfying side or main dish. Made with dried black-eyed peas, aromatics, and smoky seasoning, this dish delivers deep flavor with simple ingredients. It can be adapted for vegetarian, crockpot, or instant pot cooking as well. Serve it with rice, cornbread, or collard greens for a complete Southern-style meal. Explore similar recipes like Black Eyed Peas Recipe for any occasion.

black eyed peas recipe southern
black eyed peas recipe southern

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound smoked ham hocks (or smoked turkey as an alternative)
  • 6 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon seasoned salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • 3 bay leaves

Directions

  1. Rinse black-eyed peas thoroughly and soak in water for at least 2 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add smoked ham hocks and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
  4. Add drained black-eyed peas, seasoned salt, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, crushed red pepper, and bay leaves. Bring back to a boil.
  5. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for another 1 hour.
  6. Uncover and continue cooking for about 30 minutes, or until peas are tender.
  7. Remove bay leaves and ham hocks before serving. Serve hot.
black eyed peas recipe with bacon
black eyed peas recipe with bacon

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Additional Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 55 mins
Servings: 8
Yield: 8 servings