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Classic Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe

A close-up of a white bowl filled with savory, seasoned black eyed peas recipe ingredients.
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Make traditional, smoky Southern Black Eyed Peas on the stovetop. This recipe delivers rich flavor and creamy texture, perfect as a side dish or for New Year’s good luck.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
  • 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 smoked ham hock or 4 ounces smoked bacon, diced (omit for vegetarian)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste after cooking)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed black eyed peas and water or broth in a large pot or Dutch oven. If using a ham hock or bacon, add it now. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  2. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the peas begin to soften. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface during the first 30 minutes.
  3. In a separate skillet, sauté the chopped onion, celery, and bell pepper in a little oil (if not using bacon) until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes. Add the minced garlic during the last minute.
  4. Add the sautéed vegetables, thyme, bay leaf, and black pepper to the pot with the peas. Stir well.
  5. Continue to simmer, partially covered, for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the peas are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove the ham hock (if used) and bay leaf. Shred any usable meat from the hock and return it to the pot.
  7. Stir in the salt and apple cider vinegar, if using. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the peas are too thin, remove the lid and simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the liquid to reduce.
  8. Serve hot as a flavorful bean recipes side dish.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian or vegan black eyed peas recipe, omit the ham hock/bacon and use vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika with the other seasonings for a smoky flavor.
  • If you want creamy black eyed peas, mash about 1/4 cup of the cooked beans against the side of the pot and stir them back in.
  • This recipe works well in an Instant Pot: cook dried peas on High Pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a Natural Pressure Release for 15 minutes.
  • This is a traditional New Year’s Day black eyed peas recipe for good luck.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookincorner.com/black-eyed-peas-recipe-southern-creamy/