Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lbdried black eyed peas)
(16-ounces
- 1ham bone
leftover and frozen from previously cooked ham recipe or about 7 strips of thick-sliced bacon or salt pork
- to tastesalt and pepper
Directions
Stove top black eyed peas
- 1
Rinse black eyed peas in a colander, discarding any peas that are discolored or any small pebbles that may be in the dried peas.
- 2
Pour rinsed black eyed peas into a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot and soak using one of two soaking methods. Quick Soak: Cover with water, plus about 2 inches. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Overnight Soak: Cover with water, plus about 2 inches. Allow to soak in the stockpot, uncovered overnight. Once soaked, pour black eyed peas through a colander again to remove them from the soaking water.
- 3
Add peas back to the stock pot and return to stove over medium-low heat. Add enough water to the stock pot to cover the black eyed peas, plus about 2 inches. Add in ham bone, bacon or salt pork, if using. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan method, use 2 tablespoons olive oil. Bring black eyed peas to a simmer and continue to keep at a low simmer, adding water and stirring occasionally as needed, until the black eyed peas are fork tender, about two hours.
- 4
Remove and discard ham bone, leaving bits of ham that would have cooked into the black eyed peas in the peas. If using bacon or salt pork, remove and discard. Salt and pepper to taste.
Slow cooker black eyed peas
- 1
Rinse black eyed peas in a colander, discarding any peas that are discolored or any small pebbles that may be in the dried peas.
- 2
Pour rinsed black eyed peas into a large, heavy-bottomed stock pot and soak using one of two soaking methods. Quick Soak: Cover with water, plus about 2 inches. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Overnight Soak: Cover with water, plus about 2 inches. Allow to soak in the stockpot, uncovered overnight. Once soaked, pour black eyed peas through a colander again to remove them from the soaking water.
- 3
Add black eyed peas to the slow cooker and cover with water, plus about 2 inches. Add in ham bone, bacon or salt pork, if using. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan method, use 2 tablespoons olive oil. Place the lid onto the slow cooker and cook for 8 hours on low setting.
- 4
Remove and discard ham bone, leaving bits of ham that would have cooked into the black eyed peas in the peas. If using bacon or salt pork, remove and discard.
Instant pot black eyed peas
- 1
Add rinsed black eyed peas to Instant Pot and cover with water, plus about 2 inches. Add in ham bone, bacon or salt pork, if using. If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan method, use 2 tablespoons olive oil. Secure the lid to the Instant Pot and cook under high pressure for 25 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally, about 20 more minutes. Remove and discard ham bone, leaving bits of ham that would have cooked into the black eyed peas in the peas. If using bacon or salt pork, remove and discard.
Black Eyed Peas Recipe
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 11 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a taste of the South with a dish that's rich in flavor and tradition? This Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe delivers exactly that, a beloved family favorite perfect for any occasion, especially New Year's Day. It's a classic that promises both comfort and deliciousness.
What sets these Southern Black Eyed Peas apart is the deep, soulful flavor infused by a ham bone, bacon, or salt pork. This isn't just about cooking legumes; it's about building a rich, comforting broth that cradles each tender pea, ensuring every spoonful is packed with authentic taste. This method guarantees a dish that's incredibly savory and satisfying, elevating a simple side into a memorable family favorite.
Prepare yourself for a bowl of wonderfully tender, earthy black eyed peas, swimming in a rich, savory broth that’s deeply seasoned from your choice of ham bone, bacon, or salt pork. This dish is the epitome of Southern comfort food, offering a hearty and satisfying experience that’s surprisingly straightforward to achieve. While the total cooking time extends for a couple of hours to develop that signature flavor, the hands-on preparation is minimal, making it an easy yet impactful addition to your meal rotation. You'll enjoy the classic, robust flavors that make this a beloved tradition.
The beauty of this Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe lies in its adaptability. While a ham bone provides unparalleled depth and a truly traditional flavor profile, you can easily substitute it with about 7 strips of thick-sliced bacon or salt pork for a similar savory foundation. Feel free to adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your personal preference throughout the cooking process, ensuring the perfect balance for your palate.
This Southern classic is perfect as a warming side dish year-round and is traditionally served on New Year's Day to bring good luck. It makes a substantial and flavorful addition to any meal.