Black-Eyed Peas

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Slow cooked black-eyed peas simmered in smoked turkey, diced bacon, and the perfect blend of spices. This Black-Eyed Peas recipe is so simple yet so full of flavor.

For as long as I can remember serving black-eyed peas has been a New Year’s Day family tradition. My family didn’t start this tradition by any means and most traditional southern families have served these peas alongside candied yams, collard greens, and cornbread to celebrate the new year with the hopes of bringing prosperity to all who consume them. Some families would even stuff the kid’s pockets full of black-eyed peas! Whether you intend to stuff your pockets or fill your mouth with them, the lore of black-eyed peas and what they symbolize can’t be denied.

BLACK-EYED PEA INGREDIENTS

Jump to the bottom of the recipe card below this post for full ingredient measurements and instructions.

Black-eyed peas – fresh or dried

Onion – one medium onion, chopped

Bell pepper  – I find that half of one green bell pepper is the perfect amount here.

Garlic– about 4 cloves

Bacon – about 4 to 6 slices of smoked thick cut bacon, diced

Smoked Turkey – 1 smoked turkey wing or leg provides the perfect amount a flavor.

Chicken stock – Can substitute with water or vegetable stock. I personally like to use water most of the time to control the amount of salt.

Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, bayleaf, cayenne

Fresh thyme – 1 small bunch of fresh thyme adds freshness to the peas

HOW TO MAKE BLACK-EYED PEAS

Follow these simple steps to make Black-Eyed Peas:

1. Sort & Soak the peas – Sort and pick through the peas, then wash them well to remove all debris. Place the peas in a large bowl, cover with cold water and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight.
2. Saute the bacon – In a large pot, heat the olive oil and add the diced bacon. Saute the bacon for about 4 minutes, or until cooked, and lightly crisp.
3. Add the onion and bellpepper – Add the diced onions and the bellpepper, season with salt and black pepper and saute for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are translucent.
4. Add the garlic and spices – Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, then the garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne and paprika.
5. Add the rest of the ingredients – Add the black-eyed peas, smoked turkey, bay leaf, fresh thyme and the water.
6. Simmer the peas – Bring to a boil, then reduce and simmer the peas for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.
7. Ready – Garnish with chopped parsley and enjoy over cooked rice.

DO I NEED TO SOAK BLACK-EYED PEAS?

Black-eyed peas do not have to be soaked, but if you would like to shorten the cooking time, then you can soak them overight in just enough water to cover them if you want!

CAN I MAKE THIS RECIPE IN A SLOW COOKER?

You most definitely can! This recipe is crockpot/slow cooker-friendly and ready. To slow-cook the black-eyed peas follow these directions:

1. Add the black-eyed peas, followed by the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Cook the peas on high for 5 1/2 to 6 hours or you can cook them on low temperature for 10 hours.

PRO TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE

1. Use fresh peas. Fresh peas do not have to be soaked, so they are an easy alternative for faster cooking and enjoying!
2. Customize the meat. While adding smoked turkey and a little bit of bacon are my favorite meat options, these can easily be changed however you like. Add smoked chicken sausage, or turkey bacon or omit the meat completely if you want.
3. Adjust the water or stock. Periodically check the water or stock level to make sure that the peas have enough liquid to cook and do not burn. The peas should always have just enough liquid to cover them.
4. Add Jalapeno. Depending on how much heat you can take, the addition of diced jalapeno pepper will add a nice kick the the black-eyed peas.
5. Customize the seasoning. If you are not a fan or can’t tolerate spicier seasoning, omit the cayenne in this recipe or use your favorite seasoning blend.
6. Double the recipe. Feeding a crowd? Feel free to double or even triple this recipe!

Did you make this recipe?

Great! Now let me know how you liked it. What are your New Year traditions? Follow me on YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram. You can also sign up for my newsletter for the latest updates. Tag @sheaddsflavor on Instagram and hashtag it #sheaddsflavor to share your creations with me. I can’t wait to see your photos!

While I have you here… may I suggest a few for you to try next:

• Candied Yams
• The Best Holiday French Toast Casserole
• Leftover Turkey Breakfast Strata

Until next time. Keep following and commenting. Join me on Youtube next week where I will be cooking up another recipe and maybe telling a few of my terrible jokes! Yes, that’s right.

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