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Southern Smoked Black-Eyed Peas

A white bowl filled with creamy black-eyed peas mixed with shredded smoked meat, served indoors near a window.
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Cook creamy, flavorful black-eyed peas simmered with smoked pork for a traditional, hearty dish.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
  • 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 smoked ham hock or 4 ounces smoked bacon or salt pork
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed black-eyed peas in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cover with water or broth, ensuring the liquid is about two inches above the peas. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse the peas before proceeding.
  2. Return the drained peas to the pot. Add the ham hock (or bacon/salt pork), chopped onion, minced garlic, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and bay leaf.
  3. Add enough fresh water or broth to cover the ingredients by about two inches.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and let it simmer.
  5. Simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the black-eyed peas are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove the ham hock. If using, shred any meat from the bone and return it to the pot. Discard the bone and bay leaf.
  7. Taste the peas and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the liquid is too thin, remove the lid and simmer for the last 15 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate.
  8. Serve hot. These pair well with cornbread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a quicker start, you can skip the overnight soak, but you may need to add 30 minutes to the simmering time.
  • If you are planning your weekly meals, this recipe works well with meal planning for leftovers.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor without pork, substitute the smoked meat with 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke added during the simmer.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/black-eyed-peas-creamy-recipe-2-hour/