Soulful Black-Eyed Peas Recipe: A Hearty Southern Favorite
Our Black-Eyed Peas recipe offers a taste of Southern comfort at its finest. These hearty legumes are soaked to perfection and then simmered with aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of savory spices. Enhanced with the rich flavors of ham hocks and tomatoes, this dish boasts a depth of flavor that will transport you to the heart of the South with every spoonful. Whether enjoyed as a main course or served alongside your favorite Southern sides, these tender black-eyed peas are sure to become a family favorite.
Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of the South with our Black-Eyed Peas recipe. This classic dish, beloved for its rich taste and cultural significance, brings comfort and nourishment to any table. In this recipe, tender black-eyed peas are simmered to perfection with aromatic spices, hearty vegetables, and savory seasonings, creating a soulful dish that's as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether enjoyed as a side dish, main course, or part of a festive meal, these black-eyed peas promise to bring warmth and flavor to every bite. Embrace tradition and savor the taste of the South with this timeless recipe.
- 1 pound dry black-eyed peas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 32 ounces chicken broth
- 8 cups water
- 1 pound smoked ham hocks
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 5 pepperoncini peppers
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground thyme
- salt and pepper to taste
- Step 1
In a large container, cover the black-eyed peas with several inches of cool water and allow them to soak at room temperature for 8 hours to overnight. Once soaked, drain and rinse the peas, then set them aside.
- Step 2
In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, then cook and stir until the onion becomes translucent, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Pour in the broth and water, then bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer. Stir in the black-eyed peas, ham hocks, tomatoes, pepperoncini, bay leaf, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3
Cover the pot and allow the mixture to simmer until the peas are tender, the ham meat is falling off the bones, and the broth has thickened, which typically takes about 3 hours.
Serving Size 1
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 307kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 13g20%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Cholesterol 35mg12%
- Sodium 1281mg54%
- Potassium 473mg14%
- Total Carbohydrate 28g10%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 18g36%
- Vitamin C 7 mg
- Calcium 48 mg
- Iron 4 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hocks and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Customize the seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more or less garlic, thyme, or pepperoncini as desired.
- Serve the black-eyed peas with a side of cornbread, rice, or greens for a complete Southern meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers, celery, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.