Southern Black Eyed Peas

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of Southern black-eyed peas to kick off the New Year! This flavorful Southern black-eyed peas recipe is a timeless tradition, believed to bring good luck and prosperity with every bite. Rich with smoky turkey, savory seasonings, and tender peas, it’s the perfect dish to share with loved ones as you welcome a fresh start!

This Black Eyed Peas recipe is truly a masterpiece. Southern, soul warming comfort food in one dish. Can be made for many different occasions with the most popular being for Sundays dinners and New Years. Black eyed peas are a tradition to eat to bring in the New Year as they bring you good luck and prosperity. This southern black eyed peas recipe will bring nothing short of that, made with tender and smoky turkey meat, crispy bacon and plenty of vegetables, this is packed with tons of flavor.

Southern Black Eyed Pea Ingredients

• Black Eyed Peas: Adds a great smokey and creamy texture to the dish. Also high in protein.
• Bacon: Adds delicious flavor as well as a crispy texture. Can also use andouille sausage or ham hocks.
• Smoked Turkey Wings: Adds rich, smoky and savory flavor. When becomes tender, adds a extra protein to the dish.
• Vegetables: Onions, celery, bay leaves and garlic add a amazing aroma as well as flavor. Compliment the beans well and add a bit of healthiness to the dish.
• Seasonings: Kept it simple with cajun seasoning, nature seasoning and garlic butter seasoning. Using seasonings that touch all flavor profiles that I want to add to this dish.
• Broth: I used both vegetables and chicken broth to add flavors as well as compliment ingredients I’ve used in the dish as well.

Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe

Soak black-eyed peas in water for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Heat bacon fat or oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy, and set aside.

In the same pot, sauté onion, celery, and garlic until softened.

Add the soaked peas, cover with vegetable and chicken broth, and season with Nature seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and garlic butter seasoning.

Add smoked turkey wings and bay leaves, bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 2 hours.

Remove turkey wings, shred the meat and return it to the pot along with the crispy bacon.

Stir well and serve over rice or as a side, garnished with parsley or green onions. Enjoy!

Why Eat Southern Black Eyed Peas On New Years

During the Civil War, black-eyed peas were considered a “humble” crop and were left untouched by invading armies. They became a vital source of sustenance for Southern families, representing resilience and survival.This connection to overcoming hardship contributed to the association with good fortune.

Black-eyed peas have roots in African cuisine and were brought to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade. They became part of African American New Year’s traditions, representing hope and prosperity.

Black-eyed peas are often cooked with greens (symbolizing money) and cornbread (representing gold), forming a meal that signifies financial prosperity.

Their round shape and appearance can resemble coins, further associating them with wealth.

This tradition has been passed down through generations and remains a cherished part of New Year’s celebrations, particularly in the Southern United States.

FAQ

What are the nutritional benefits of black-eyed peas?

• Black-eyed peas are rich in protein, fiber, iron, folate, and magnesium. They’re also low in fat, making them a healthy addition to many diets.

Are black-eyed peas the same as regular peas?

• No, black-eyed peas are actually a variety of cowpeas and are considered legumes, not green peas. They have a mild, earthy flavor and a creamy texture when cooked.

What are black-eyed peas?

• Black-eyed peas are a type of legume with a distinctive black “eye” marking. They’re a staple in many Southern dishes and are often associated with good luck when eaten on New Year’s Day.

Should I soak Black-eyed peas before cooking?

• Soaking is optional but for best results I do recommend soaking the night before. Soaking can reduce cooking time and make them easier to digest. If you’re short on time, you can skip soaking and just cook them longer or used canned black eyed peas.

Can I used canned black-eyed peas?

• Most definitely. Canned black eyed peas are convenient and great for quick recipes. Just since them well to reduce sodium content before using.

Southern Black Eyed Peas

Atlchefd

There's nothing quite like a hearty bowl of Southern black-eyed peas to kick off the New Year! This flavorful Southern black-eyed peas recipe is a timeless tradition, believed to bring good luck and prosperity with every bite. Rich with smoky turkey, savory seasonings, and tender peas, it's the perfect dish to share with loved ones as you welcome a fresh start!

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Southern

Servings 8

Equipment

• Dutch Oven
• Spatula
• Slotted Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 2 Lb Black Eyes Peas Dry
• 2.5 Lb Smoked Turkey Wings
• 1 Onion Diced
• 6 Ribs Celery Diced
• 6 Cloves Garlic Minced
• 3 Cups Chicken Broth
• 4 Cups Vegetable Broth
• 1/2 Tbsp Nature Seasoning
• 1 Tbsp Cajun Seasoning
• 2 Bay Leaf
• 6 Strips Thick Cut Bacon
• 1/2 Tbsp Garlic Butter Seasoning

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Instructions

 

• Add in soaked black eyed peas and cover with vegetable and chicken broth. Season with nature seasoning, cajun seasoning and garlic butter seasoning. Add in smoked turkey wings, bay leaves, bring to a boil, cover and cook on low for 2 hours.
• Place the black-eyed peas in a large bowl and cover with water. Allow them to soak for at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Heat bacon fat or oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add the onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
• Add the soaked black-eyed peas to the pot. Pour in the vegetable and chicken broth, ensuring the peas are fully covered. Stir in Nature seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and garlic butter seasoning.
• Add the smoked turkey wings and bay leaves into the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.
• After 2 hours, remove the turkey wings from the pot. Discard the bones and skin, then shred the meat. Return the shredded turkey meat and crispy bacon to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
• Serve the black-eyed peas over fluffy white rice for a comforting main dish, or enjoy them as a flavorful side.
• Garnish with parsley or green onions and ENJOY!

Keyword black eyed peas recipe, Southern black eyed peas, southern black eyed peas recipe, southern style black eyed peas