Few dishes capture the heart and soul of Southern cooking quite like a perfectly slow-simmered pot of black-eyed peas. This ultimate Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipes guide brings you the comforting flavors of tradition, perfect for holidays or any Sunday dinner. Prepare for tender peas, rich broth, and a delightful secret ingredient that elevates this classic to new heights of deliciousness. Get ready for a truly special meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will adore this recipe for many reasons, making it a staple in your kitchen.
- It offers authentic, deep Southern flavor in every spoonful, just like grandma used to make.
- This is an incredibly easy, comforting one-pot meal that simplifies dinner prep.
- It is perfect for New Year’s Day, holidays, or any cozy Sunday family dinner.
- The hearty and wholesome dish is incredibly family-friendly and satisfying for all ages.
- You will love the rich, savory broth that perfectly complements the tender black-eyed peas.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create truly amazing Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipes. Fresh ingredients make all the difference in this classic dish.
- 1 lb. dry black-eyed peas
- 1 small yellow onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 Tablespoon butter
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb. smoked turkey wings*
Notes & Substitutions
Using dry black-eyed peas provides the best texture and flavor, requiring an overnight soak. You can substitute with canned peas by draining and rinsing thoroughly, but reduce the simmer time significantly. Smoked turkey wings impart incredible depth; smoked ham hocks or a smoked turkey leg also work beautifully. For extra richness, cook your aromatics in a tablespoon of bacon fat instead of butter and olive oil. Our secret ingredient, lemon pepper seasoning, adds a bright, zesty counterpoint. Feel free to use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor profile, if preferred.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools for this easy Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipes guide.
- Large bowl for soaking
- Colander for rinsing
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot (at least 6-quart capacity)
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Ladle for serving
Instructions
Creating these delicious Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipes is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a perfect pot every time.
The night before, place the peas in a colander and rinse them over the sink. Remove any dirt or debris you find. Transfer the peas to a large bowl and cover them with 2-3 inches of water. Cover the bowl with a lid and place it in the refrigerator overnight, or for at least 6-8 hours. This crucial soaking step helps them cook evenly.
The next day, begin prepping your vegetables. Dice the yellow onion, dice the green bell pepper, and mince the garlic cloves finely. Drain the water from the peas and rinse them again thoroughly in a colander under cold running water.
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil and butter to the pot. Once shimmering, sauté the diced onion and bell pepper for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Add the drained black-eyed peas to the pot along with all the measured spices: fine sea salt, lemon pepper seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Pour in the 6 cups of chicken broth and stir everything together gently to combine.
Add the smoked turkey wings to the pot, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the chicken broth. Place a lid tightly on the pot. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring the pot up to a rolling boil. Once the pot is actively boiling, immediately turn the heat down to medium-low. Simmer the peas for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Stir the peas occasionally, about every 20-30 minutes, and flip the turkey wings over 1-2 times while cooking to ensure even flavoring. Always replace the lid tightly every time you stir to maintain a consistent simmer.
After the black-eyed peas have simmered for 90 minutes, carefully remove the smoked turkey wings from the pot. Set them aside on a separate plate to cool slightly. Now, begin to smash some of the peas with the back of a spoon against the side of the pot. This technique helps release starch and will naturally thicken the flavorful broth. Continue smashing about a quarter of the peas and let the pot simmer uncovered for an additional 15 minutes. This allows the broth to reduce and further thicken to a perfect consistency.
Once the turkey wings are cool enough to handle, carefully peel off the skin and discard it. Pull the tender meat off the bones, shredding it into bite-sized pieces. Add the pulled turkey meat back into the pot with the thickened black-eyed peas and stir everything together well. Serve warm immediately with a side of homemade cornbread. Enjoy your comforting, flavorful dish!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Proper pea soaking is essential for even cooking and a tender texture. Skipping this step can lead to tough peas and extended cooking times. To thicken the broth, smashing some peas directly in the pot works wonders; you can also mash a small portion separately and stir it back in. Always taste and adjust seasoning, especially salt and lemon pepper, before serving. Adding a splash of hot sauce can also enhance the flavor. Prevent mushy black-eyed peas by not overcooking them; check for tenderness around the 90-minute mark. Ensure your turkey meat is fork-tender before shredding; if not, simmer it a little longer with the peas.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile dish is perfect for any occasion. These flavorful Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipes are truly a crowd-pleaser.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these classic black-eyed peas with a generous slice of warm, buttery cornbread for soaking up all that delicious broth. They also pair wonderfully with a side of tender collard greens or piled over fluffy white rice for a hearty meal. Don’t forget a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick!
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover black-eyed peas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations
For a different smoky flavor, use ham hocks or a smoked pork shoulder instead of turkey. Incorporate other smoked meats like diced smoked sausage for added richness. If you enjoy a bit more spice, add Cajun or Creole seasoning along with the other spices. For a vegetarian adaptation, omit the smoked turkey and use vegetable broth, adding liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked salt for depth. Sauté a finely diced jalapeño with your aromatics for extra heat.
Nutrition Information
This comforting Southern black-eyed peas dish offers a good source of plant-based protein and fiber, making it a wholesome addition to your meal rotation. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal. Below are estimated per-serving values for this Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipes guide.
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Serving | 1 serving |
| Calories | 241 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38 g |
| Protein | 15 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 7 mg |
| Sodium | 966 mg |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
FAQ
Do I have to soak black-eyed peas? Soaking dry black-eyed peas overnight significantly reduces cooking time and promotes more even tenderness. If you are short on time, you can quick-soak them by boiling for 5 minutes, then letting them rest off-heat for an hour.
Can I use canned black-eyed peas? Yes, you can use canned black-eyed peas for a faster version. Drain and rinse them well, then reduce the simmer time with the turkey to about 30-45 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
How do I thicken my black-eyed peas? Smashing some of the cooked peas against the side of the pot with a spoon releases their starch, naturally thickening the broth. Alternatively, you can mash a small portion of peas in a separate bowl and stir them back into the pot.
What kind of smoked meat is best? Smoked turkey wings or ham hocks are traditional and add incredible depth. Smoked turkey legs also work well, offering plenty of rich flavor and tender meat for your Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipes.
Can this be made vegetarian? Absolutely! Omit the smoked turkey and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a smoky flavor, add a few drops of liquid smoke or a pinch of smoked paprika to the pot.
Conclusion
This ultimate Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipes guide delivers a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish that will become a cherished tradition in your home. The slow simmer transforms simple ingredients into a rich, hearty meal that feeds both body and soul. We hope you love the depth of flavor and ease of preparation in this classic recipe. Give it a try soon and let us know what you think in the comments below!
Black-eyed peas are highly nutritious and offer many health benefits, including supporting weight loss, heart health, and digestive health, as detailed by Healthline. Discover the full nutritional breakdown and benefits of black-eyed peas.
Ultimate Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- The night before, rinse black-eyed peas, remove debris, then soak them in a large bowl with water in the refrigerator for at least 6-8 hours.
- The next day, dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic cloves, and drain and rinse the soaked peas again.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat; sauté the diced onion and bell pepper for 3 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add the drained black-eyed peas and all spices to the pot, then pour in chicken broth and stir well to combine.
- Submerge smoked turkey wings in the broth, bring to a boil over medium-high heat with the lid on, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 1 hour 30 minutes, stirring occasionally and flipping the turkey wings.
- After simmering, remove turkey wings, then smash some peas against the pot to thicken the broth and continue to simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Remove skin and pull meat from the turkey wings, add the meat back to the pot, stir, and serve warm with cornbread.
