Black-eyed peas are not just a delicious and versatile legume, but they also have a rich history in Southern cuisine. Today, we’re going to explore the wonderful world of Southern black-eyed peas and discover why they are a staple in many households.

The Importance of Black-Eyed Peas

Black-eyed peas have been a dietary staple for centuries, particularly in the Southern United States. They are not only packed with nutrients, but they are also a symbol of good luck and prosperity. It is believed that eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day brings good fortune for the year ahead. So why not incorporate this tradition into your own life?

Health Benefits of Black-Eyed Peas

Aside from their cultural significance, black-eyed peas offer a range of health benefits. They are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential minerals. Incorporating black-eyed peas into your diet can help with weight management, improve digestion, and support heart health. They also contain antioxidants that can protect against chronic diseases.

Delicious Southern Black-Eyed Peas Recipe

Now that we know the importance and health benefits of black-eyed peas, let’s dive into a delicious Southern recipe that will surely tantalize your taste buds.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried black-eyed peas
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 ham hock or smoked turkey leg (optional for added flavor)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the black-eyed peas and remove any debris or impurities.
2. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bacon until the bacon is crispy and the onion is translucent.
3. Add the black-eyed peas to the pot and pour in enough water to cover them completely.
4. If using, add the ham hock or smoked turkey leg for added flavor.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 1 hour or until the peas are tender.
7. Serve hot with rice, cornbread, or your favorite Southern side dishes.

Enjoy the comforting flavors of Southern black-eyed peas and savor the rich history and traditions they represent.

Conclusion

Black-eyed peas are more than just a legume; they are a cultural icon and a powerhouse of nutrition. By incorporating them into your diet, you can not only enjoy their delicious taste but also reap the numerous health benefits they offer. So why not give this Southern black-eyed peas recipe a try? It’s an easy and flavorful way to add a touch of Southern charm to your meals.

These Southern Black Eyed Peas have so much flavor thanks to bacon and all the delicious seasonings that are added! A must-have addition to all your meals!

A Classic Black Eyed Peas Recipe

Hands down, one of my favorite dishes to make and eat is black eyed peas. There is nothing that smells better to me than having black eyed peas with bacon, onion, and garlic simmering away on the stovetop. Although I make these all year round, a lot of folks only make black eyed peas during the holidays and of course New Year’s Day, where they are supposed to bring good luck for the rest of the year! This recipe is so tasty that it will be one dish that you will start making regularly!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Black Eyed Peas beans or peas?

While they belong to both the pea and bean family of legumes, they are actually a bean.

What is the symbolism behind Black Eyed Peas?

Dating back to the Civil War, Black Eyed Peas were traditionally eaten on New Year’s Eve or Day to bring prosperity and luck to those who ate them. It has evolved into a tradition to many over the years. While many folks around the country enjoy black eyed peas, the largest consumers of them are in the southern United States.

What kind of bacon works best with these?

I prefer to use thick-cut applewood smoked bacon for this specific recipe (who doesn’t love bacon), but you can use any of your favorite bacon – thick or regular cut.

How long do I need to soak my black eyed peas?

These need to be soaked overnight (at least 8 hours) so they can soften up and be used for this recipe. If you do not have time to soak your beans, you can do what is known as a “quick soak.” Add your black eyed peas to a large pot of water and bring to a boil and continue to boil for about 2 minutes. Take them off the heat, cover and let them sit for 1 hour then drain. Then you can continue with the recipe.

Are these spicy?

There is a light spice behind this recipe with the addition of the cayenne pepper. If you are not a spice lover, you can leave that ingredient out. If you are a spice lover, you can double the cayenne or even add some of your favorite hot sauce.

What do I serve with Black Eyed Peas?

There are a variety of things that go great with this recipe. Some of my favorites include rice, chicken, beef, cornbread, collard greens, biscuits, ham, and more.

Can black eyed peas be made in the crock pot?

Yes. After soaking the black eyed peas overnight, cook bacon and onion according to directions below. Then add all the ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for about 3-4 hours.

How do I store leftovers?

These can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator where they will keep for up to 3 days. Black Eyed Peas can also be frozen. Place in a freezer container where they will keep for up to 3 months. To defrost, remove from the freezer until thawed. These thicken as they cool after cooking so when you want to reheat them you can add some water or chicken stock and heat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Ingredients Needed:

• 12 ounces thick-cut bacon, 1/2-inch diced
• 1 small sweet onion, small diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas (soaked overnight and drained)
• 4 cups unsalted chicken stock
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

How to Make Southern Black Eyed Peas

In a dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy, 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Take the bacon out, reserving the bacon drippings in the pot, and place the cooked bacon on a paper-towel-lined plate. Add the onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Next, add the seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, pepper, and cayenne to the pot. Stir it in and cook for 30 seconds. Add the peas, chicken stock, and bay leaves to the pot and stir it together. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and simmer, covered, for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally. They are done when the peas are tender. Add the butter and stir it in to melt, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve with the crispy bacon on top and fresh parsley if desired.

Enjoy!

Want More Delicious Recipes?

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Enhancing the Recipe: Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon

Ingredients

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas (soaked overnight and drained)
• 4 cups unsalted chicken stock
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter

Instructions

1. In a large pot (Dutch oven), cook 12 ounces of thick-cut bacon (diced to 1/2-inch) over medium heat until crispy, stirring occasionally. Remove the bacon, but keep the bacon drippings in the pot. Place the cooked bacon on a paper towel-lined plate.
2. Add 1 small sweet onion (diced) to the pot with the bacon grease. Cook the onion until softened and translucent, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Stir in 2 teaspoons of seasoned salt, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Cook for 30 seconds.
5. Add the soaked and drained black-eyed peas, 4 cups of unsalted chicken stock, and 2 dried bay leaves to the pot. Stir everything together.
6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 60-90 minutes, stirring occasionally. The peas should be tender when done.
7. Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter until melted. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve the black-eyed peas with the crispy bacon on top.

Video

Notes

Here are some additional notes to consider:

• If you have any questions or need substitutions, please refer to the FAQ’s and ingredient list above.
• If you don’t have time to soak the black-eyed peas overnight, you can do a quick soak. Refer to the instructions above for details.
• You can freeze the black-eyed peas for later use. See the instructions above for guidance.
• This recipe makes a large batch, but feel free to double it if you have a big enough pot.
• Before cooking, make sure to pick through the dried peas to remove any rocks or vegetation. This is normal and nothing to worry about.

Nutrition

Nutritional Disclaimer

Please note that “The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist. The nutritional information provided is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend using an online nutritional calculator to get accurate information. Nutritional values can vary depending on the brands used.

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