What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade black-eyed peas recipe is simple, comforting, and packed with flavor, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. With its rich Southern roots, it’s sure to bring warmth to your table and smiles to your family’s faces.
- Healthy and hearty: Packed with protein and nutrients, it’s a satisfying meal that keeps you feeling good.
- Customizable: Easily tweak the spices and ingredients to match your taste buds perfectly.
- Budget-friendly: Made with pantry staples, it’s an affordable way to whip up something delicious.
Recipe
Black-eyed peas are a classic Southern dish known for their hearty flavor and nutritional benefits. This homemade recipe is simple to follow and delivers delicious results.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
- 6 cups water (plus more for soaking)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ham hock or 4 slices bacon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions:
- Rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water and remove any debris. Soak the peas in water overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. Drain and rinse before cooking.
- In a large pot, add the soaked peas, 6 cups of water, chopped onion, minced garlic, and ham hock or bacon. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low and add salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaves. Stir well.
- Cover and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the peas covered.
- Remove the ham hock or bacon. If using ham hock, shred the meat and return it to the pot. Discard the bay leaves before serving.
Notes:
- Soaking the peas reduces cooking time and helps them cook evenly.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock or bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Equipment:
-Large pot
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes (plus soaking time)
Cooking time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Cuisine: Southern
Serving: Serves 6-8
Nutrition
Black-eyed peas are a nutritious legume that can be a healthy addition to your diet. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
Calories | 200
Protein | 13g
Carbohydrates | 35g
Fiber | 8g
Fat | 1g
Sodium | 300mg
Sugar | 3g
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade black-eyed peas with warm, buttery cornbread—it’s a classic combo that’s hard to beat. Adding a side of tender collard greens with a hint of spice brings out the best in this dish. Trust me, it’s a meal that’ll make your taste buds happy.
Cornbread
When making black-eyed peas, it’s hard to imagine a better companion than a warm slice of cornbread. The golden, slightly crumbly texture pairs perfectly with the creamy, savory peas, creating a balance that’s downright comforting. I love mine with a touch of honey or a pat of butter melting right in. It’s simple, hearty, and just sweet enough to contrast the earthy flavors of the dish. Whether baked in a cast-iron skillet or whipped up quickly in a muffin tin, cornbread brings warmth to the table. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll never serve one without the other.
Collard Greens
Just like cornbread complements black-eyed peas, collard greens come to life with the right pairing. I love how their earthy bitterness balances the creamy richness of the peas, especially when simmered with garlic, smoked turkey, or a splash of vinegar. They’re sturdy enough to hold up to bold flavors, yet tender enough to melt in your mouth. A quick tip: don’t skip the potlikker—that savory broth is liquid gold for dipping cornbread. Whether you sauté them or braise them low and slow, collard greens add depth to your meal. Trust me, once you try this combo, it’ll become a staple.
