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Classic Southern Black Eyed Peas with Ham Hock

Close-up of creamy black eyed peas topped with savory pieces of ham in a dark bowl.
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Make rich, smoky Southern Black Eyed Peas that bring comfort to your table. This recipe uses a ham hock for deep flavor, resulting in creamy, tender peas perfect for a hearty side dish or New Year’s tradition.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
  • 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 smoked ham hock (or 1 smoked turkey wing for an alternative)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed black eyed peas, water or broth, ham hock, onion, celery, garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, and bay leaf into a large pot or Dutch oven.
  2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the black eyed peas are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Remove and discard the ham hock and bay leaf. Shred any usable meat from the ham hock and return it to the pot. Discard the bone.
  5. Stir in the salt, pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to thicken slightly.
  7. Serve your Southern Black Eyed Peas hot, often paired with cornbread.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, omit the ham hock and use 6 cups of vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke or an extra 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for smokiness.
  • If you prefer a faster method, you can use 2 (15-ounce) cans of black eyed peas (drained and rinsed), adding them during the last 20 minutes of simmering.
  • To achieve a creamier texture, mash about 1/4 cup of the cooked peas against the side of the pot and stir them back into the mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://miameal.com/black-eyed-peas-southern-recipe/