What You’ll Love About This Recipe
You’ll love this homemade black-eyed peas recipe because it’s hearty, flavorful, and packed with Southern charm. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving comfort food, this dish delivers every time.
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples like onions, garlic, and smoked turkey for deep, savory flavor.
- Easy to customize: Make it spicy with jalapeños or keep it classic—either way, it’s delicious.
- Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making meal prep a breeze.
Recipe
Black-eyed peas are a Southern staple, often enjoyed for good luck on New Year’s Day. This hearty and flavorful recipe is easy to prepare and packed with tradition.
Ingredients:
1 pound dried black-eyed peas
6 cups water
1 smoked ham hock or 1 cup diced ham
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 bay leaf
Instructions:
- Rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water and remove any debris.
- In a large pot, combine the peas, water, ham hock (or diced ham), onion, bell pepper, garlic, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaf.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the broth has thickened.
- Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, and return it to the pot. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm.
Notes:
For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of water. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Equipment:
Large pot, stirring spoon
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cuisine:
Southern
Serving:
Serves 6-8
Nutrition
This homemade black-eyed peas recipe is packed with essential nutrients, providing a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and vitamins. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 190 |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Potassium | 400mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade black-eyed peas with steamed rice or cornbread, which soak up the rich flavors perfectly. A fresh, crunchy coleslaw or sautéed greens adds a nice balance to the dish. Trust me, it’s a combo that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!
Side Dishes
When you’re serving up a hearty bowl of black-eyed peas, you’ll want sides that complement their rich, savory flavor without stealing the spotlight. I love pairing them with fluffy cornbread—its sweetness balances the earthiness perfectly. A simple collard greens sauté with garlic adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast. For something crunchy, try pickled okra or a tangy cucumber salad. Don’t forget a bowl of steamed rice to soak up all that delicious broth. These sides keep the meal balanced, letting the black-eyed peas shine. Trust me, your plate will feel complete without overwhelming those comforting flavors.
Perfect Pairings
While black-eyed peas are plenty satisfying on their own, pairing them with the right dishes can turn a simple meal into something truly special. I love serving mine with fluffy cornbread—its sweetness balances the peas’ earthiness perfectly. A side of collard greens adds a hearty, slightly bitter contrast, while pickled jalapeños bring a tangy kick. For protein, smoked sausage or crispy fried chicken works wonders. Don’t forget a dash of hot sauce for extra zing! These combos make every bite exciting, turning a humble bowl into a feast. Trust me, once you try these pairings, you’ll never go back.
