Description
Make classic, creamy Southern black eyed peas seasoned with smoked ham hock for a rich, comforting side dish perfect for family meals or New Year’s tradition.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound dried black eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
- 1 smoked ham hock (about 1 pound)
- 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste after cooking)
- 2 tablespoons butter or bacon grease
Instructions
- Place the rinsed black eyed peas, ham hock, water or broth, onion, celery, bell pepper, thyme, bay leaf, smoked paprika, and black pepper into a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender and creamy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove the ham hock from the pot. Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone, discarding the bone and any excess fat or skin. Return the shredded meat to the pot.
- In a small skillet, melt the butter or bacon grease over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
- Stir the garlic butter mixture into the peas. Taste and add salt as needed. If you prefer a thicker, creamier texture, mash about 1/4 cup of the peas against the side of the pot and stir them back in.
- Simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to combine. Remove the bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- For a quicker method, use a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients except butter and garlic in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the garlic butter at the end.
- If you do not have ham hock, substitute with 4 slices of bacon, diced and cooked until crisp before adding the vegetables, or use 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke for a smoky flavor without meat.
- These peas pair well served over rice, which is the basis for Hoppin’ John.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup cooked
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 14
- Protein: 18
- Cholesterol: 25