Description
Tender, smoky, and deeply flavorful, these Southern Black Eyed Peas are simmered in a savory broth with the ‘holy trinity’ of vegetables, making them a soul-warming staple of Southern cuisine and tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried black eyed peas, sorted and rinsed
- 1 large onion, diced (sweet Vidalia recommended)
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 smoked turkey leg or wing (alternatively 2 tablespoons liquid smoke)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon creole seasoning
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Hot sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Place sorted and rinsed black eyed peas in a bowl. Cover with water and soak overnight, or use the quick-soak method: boil for 2 minutes, cover, and let sit 1 hour.
- In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper for 5–7 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add thyme, cayenne, and creole seasoning. Stir for 30 seconds to bloom spices. Add bay leaves and smoked turkey or liquid smoke.
- Drain soaked peas and add to pot. Pour in broth to cover peas by an inch. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook covered for 60–90 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Check for doneness at 60 minutes. When peas are tender, remove turkey, shred meat, and return to pot. Season with salt and pepper. For thicker texture, mash some peas against the side of the pot.
- Let peas rest off heat for 15–20 minutes. Serve hot with fresh parsley and optional hot sauce. Best enjoyed with rice or cornbread.
Notes
For the creamiest texture and best flavor, soak peas overnight and simmer gently. Smoked turkey adds depth, but liquid smoke or smoked paprika works for vegetarian versions.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmered
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 13g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: southern black eyed peas, soul food, new year peas, southern legumes