Description
This Quick & Easy Black Eyed Peas recipe combines simple ingredients and a medley of smoky spices to create a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any meal. Featuring options for smoked meats or a vegan approach, this dish is simmered slowly to develop deep, rich flavors, offering a comforting and nutritious way to enjoy black eyed peas.
Ingredients
Scale
Black Eyed Peas
- 1 lb dried black eyed peas, picked over and rinsed
Liquids
- 8 cups (2 qt) vegetable broth
- 4 cups water
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Fats & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or beef bacon fat)
- 2 tbsp butter (optional, or vegan butter/coconut oil)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 small clove garlic, grated
- 1 bay leaf
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 ½ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- ¼ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
Optional Smoked Meat
- 1 large smoked beef ham hock (1.5-2 lbs)
- OR 6-8 slices thick-cut beef bacon, diced
- OR 1 lb smoked turkey sausage, sliced
- OR 1-2 smoked turkey wings or legs
Garnishes (Optional)
- Hot sauce
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
Instructions
- Soak Peas: Inspect the dried black eyed peas for any debris, then rinse thoroughly under cold water. To soften, either soak them overnight in cold water for 8-12 hours or perform a quick soak by covering with water, bringing to a boil for 2 minutes, then removing from heat, covering, and letting them steep for 1 hour. After soaking, drain and rinse again.
- Prepare Smoked Meat: If using beef bacon, dice the slices and cook in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces but keep 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the pot for added flavor. If opting for smoked turkey sausage, brown the slices lightly in 1 tablespoon olive oil, then remove. For beef ham hock or smoked turkey wings/legs, rinse them well to remove any surface impurities and set aside.
- Build Flavor Base: Add 2 tablespoons olive oil or the reserved beef bacon fat into the pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper for 8-10 minutes until these vegetables soften and become fragrant. Stir in the grated garlic, bay leaf, dried thyme, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper; cook for an additional 1 minute to release the spices’ aromas.
- Combine & Simmer: To the pot, add the drained black eyed peas, the chosen smoked meat (beef ham hock or turkey parts if using), vegetable broth, and water. Stir in 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered or with the lid slightly ajar for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if necessary, continuing until the peas are tender and flavorful.
- Finish & Season: If you used a beef ham hock or smoked turkey wings/legs, carefully remove them from the pot, shred the meat off the bones, and return the shredded meat back into the peas. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter or vegan butter, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Let the pot simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Ladle generous portions of the black eyed peas into bowls. Garnish with crispy reserved beef bacon pieces if used, fresh parsley or cilantro, and a dash of hot sauce if desired. Serve hot alongside cornbread or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Soaking peas overnight reduces cooking time and improves texture but quick soaking is a good alternative if short on time.
- Choose smoked meat based on preference or omit entirely for a vegan dish; adjust fat source accordingly.
- Adjust cayenne pepper for desired spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 4 days and the flavors deepen over time.
- Can be thickened further by mashing some peas against the pot sides and stirring.
- Serve with hearty sides like rice, cornbread, or sautéed greens for a balanced meal.
