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Southern Black Eyed Peas

A comforting, soul-warming dish made with dried black eyed peas, cooked with bacon, aromatic vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, perfect for any day of the year.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas Make sure to sort and rinse
  • 6 cups water or chicken broth Chicken broth adds more flavor
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon For authentic flavor
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced Adds sweetness
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Enhances overall flavor
  • 1 leaf bay leaf For subtle background flavor
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust according to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika For a smoky depth
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for heat
  • 1 teaspoon sugar Balances the flavors
Optional Add-ins
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Optional for brightness
  • to taste hot sauce For serving
  • to taste fresh collard greens For serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Sort and rinse the dried black eyed peas. Remove any stones or debris.
  2. Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy, then reserve the fat.
  3. Sauté diced onions in the bacon fat for about 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Cooking
  1. Stir in rinsed black eyed peas with the bacon and onions, then add water or chicken broth along with the bay leaf.
  2. Add all seasonings: salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne, and sugar.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 60 to 90 minutes.
  4. Adjust seasoning before serving, adding apple cider vinegar if desired.
  5. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with hot sauce and collard greens.

Notes

Serving black eyed peas with cornbread, collard greens, or fried chicken enhances the meal. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.