Description
A classic Southern dish of tender black eyed peas simmered with savory seasonings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups dried black eyed peas, picked over and rinsed
- 6 cups water
- 1 ham hock or 1/4 pound salt pork, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Place the rinsed black eyed peas in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Add the water, ham hock (or salt pork), chopped onion, and minced garlic.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender.
- Stir in the salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Continue to simmer, uncovered, for another 15-20 minutes, allowing the liquid to thicken slightly.
- Remove the ham hock before serving, if desired.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock or salt pork and use vegetable broth instead of water. Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Serve hot as a side dish or over rice.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 1 hr 30 min
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 15g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: Southern black eyed peas, black eyed peas recipe, ham hock peas, Southern side dish, comfort food, vegetarian black eyed peas