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Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas with Ham Hock

A close-up of a white bowl filled with rich, savory black eyed peas stewed with meat pieces.
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Make rich, smoky, and creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas. This recipe uses a ham hock for deep flavor, resulting in a comforting side dish perfect for family dinners 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 4 slices bacon, chopped)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed black eyed peas and water or broth in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the ham hock. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
  2. While the peas simmer, sauté the onion in a separate skillet over medium heat until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  3. Add the cooked onion and garlic mixture to the pot with the peas. Stir in the salt, pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaf.
  4. Continue to simmer, partially covered, for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the peas are tender and the liquid has thickened to a creamy consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove and discard the ham hock and bay leaf. Shred any usable meat from the ham hock and return it to the pot.
  6. Stir in the apple cider vinegar just before serving. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot, often over rice.

Notes

  • For a quicker method, cook these in an Instant Pot: Combine peas, broth, ham hock, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, cayenne, and bay leaf. Cook on High Pressure for 25 minutes, then allow a Natural Pressure Release for 15 minutes before quick releasing the rest. Stir in vinegar after removing the ham hock.
  • If you skip the ham hock, add 1/2 cup chopped smoked turkey or 2 tablespoons of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the ham hock and use vegetable broth. Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth.

Nutrition

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