Description
A comforting and flavorful dish, Southern black eyed peas symbolize good luck and prosperity, making them a great choice for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried black eyed peas, picked over and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 smoked ham hock or 4 slices bacon, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth or water
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Soak the black eyed peas overnight in water. If short on time, boil for 2 minutes, then cover and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers, cooking until softened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ham hock or diced bacon. Cook until browned.
- Pour in chicken broth or water. Add drained black eyed peas, salt, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and bay leaf.
- Bring to a boil. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 1-1.5 hours, until peas are tender.
- If using a ham hock, remove it, shred the meat, and stir it back into the peas. Discard bay leaf and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
Enhance flavor with herbs like thyme or Worcestershire sauce. To enjoy a creamier texture, mash some peas before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern