There’s something deeply comforting about a pot of warm Southern Black Eyed Peas simmering on the stove. This recipe brings that Southern soul flavor right to your kitchen, with smoky notes, tender beans, and a rich, savory broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether it’s New Year’s Day or just a cozy Sunday supper, these peas make the perfect soul food dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s hearty, healthy, and made with simple pantry ingredients.
- Full of Southern flavor, perfect for cooking soul food at home.
- Easy to make ahead, and even better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays its own delicious role in this black eyed peas recipe:
- Dried black eyed peas: The star! Creamy, earthy, and full of protein.
- Smoked ham hock or turkey leg: Adds that deep smoky flavor every southern soul food dinner needs.
- Onion: Brings sweetness and aroma to the broth.
- Garlic: Gives depth and savory punch.
- Celery and bell pepper: Build that classic Southern flavor base.
- Bay leaf: Adds a touch of herbal warmth.
- Chicken broth: Keeps everything flavorful and hearty.
- Salt and black pepper: Balance all the flavors.
- Olive oil: For sautéing and a little richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a warm pot of comfort:
- Rinse and sort the peas, removing any small stones or broken pieces.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper until soft and fragrant.
- Add the smoked ham hock (or turkey leg) and let it brown slightly to release flavor.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer, then add the black eyed peas and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and creamy.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
- Serve warm with cornbread or rice for the perfect Southern meal.
Pro Tips for Success
- Soak your peas overnight for faster cooking and a softer texture.
- Use smoked turkey if you prefer a lighter flavor than ham.
- Let the peas rest for 10 minutes after cooking; they’ll thicken beautifully.
- Pair with Smothered Chicken and Rice for a full Southern spread.
Southern Black Eyed Peas
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb dried black eyed peas rinsed and sorted
- 1 smoked ham hock or turkey leg
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 bell pepper chopped
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups chicken broth low sodium preferred
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and sort the peas, removing any small stones or debris.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, celery, and bell pepper until soft and fragrant.
- Add the smoked ham hock (or turkey leg) and brown slightly to release flavor.
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then add the black eyed peas and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove ham hock, shred the meat, and return to the pot.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace the ham hock with 1 tsp of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke.
- Serve with cornbread or rice. Peas thicken more after resting.
Mistakes to Avoid When Cooking Southern Black Eyed Peas
- Don’t boil the peas too hard or they’ll burst instead of turning creamy.
- Skipping the aromatics makes the dish flat—onion, garlic, and celery are essential.
- Never forget to season at the end; broth flavors change as they cook down.
Serving Suggestions
These peas pair wonderfully with buttery cornbread, collard greens, or even a slice of fried catfish. You can also serve them alongside Louisiana Hot Crab Dip as part of a festive soul food dinner. For another bean-inspired appetizer, try the Festive Bean Spread.
FAQs About Southern Black Eyed Peas
Do I need to soak black eyed peas before cooking?
Soaking helps them cook faster and more evenly, but it’s not required. If you skip soaking, just add 20 extra minutes to the cooking time. The flavor stays the same, just the texture may take longer to soften.
Why are my black eyed peas still hard after cooking?
If your peas are still firm, they may be old or the water was too acidic. Add a bit more broth and keep simmering until tender. Avoid adding salt or tomatoes too early, as they can slow down the softening process.
Can I make Southern Black Eyed Peas without meat?
Yes! Simply replace the smoked ham hock with a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke for that classic flavor. It’s a great option for anyone looking for healthy dinner recipes that stay true to the Southern taste.
Conclusion
Once you make this dish, you’ll see why it’s one of the best easy cooking recipes that never goes out of style. A true Southern comfort food that brings warmth and tradition to every table.
Save this recipe to your Pinterest board and share it with friends it’s a keeper for anyone who loves cooking recipes for dinner that are hearty, flavorful, and simple to make.
