Description
This Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe delivers authentic, smoky, and soul-warming comfort food in just 90 minutes. Made with tender black eyed peas, a savory ham hock, and aromatic vegetables, it’s the perfect blend of nutrition and Southern tradition for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup dried black eyed peas (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed)
- 4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 smoked ham hock (or smoked turkey leg / 4 strips bacon)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sweet paprika (smoked for extra depth)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or bacon grease for traditional flavor)
- Optional: 1 bay leaf, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Rinse dried black eyed peas under cold water, removing any debris or damaged peas. No soaking required.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Sauté chopped onion for 4–5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
- Add black eyed peas, water or broth, ham hock, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Simmer partially covered for 60–90 minutes, checking every 20 minutes and adding liquid if needed.
- When peas are tender but not mushy, remove ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm with rice, cornbread, or greens.
Notes
Avoid overcooking — black eyed peas should be tender yet hold their shape. Add salt gradually to prevent tough skins. For a plant-based version, use smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and vegetable broth instead of meat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 75–90 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: southern black eyed peas, comfort food, traditional southern recipes, ham hock peas, easy southern dinner