Description
Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe is a traditional, hearty dish featuring tender black-eyed peas simmered with smoky bacon and savory seasonings. Perfect as a comforting side or main dish, this recipe captures the soulful flavors of Southern cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, rinsed
- 6 cups water or broth
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Soak black-eyed peas in water overnight or use quick soak method by boiling for 5 minutes and resting for 1 hour. Drain and rinse.
- In a large pot, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Add onion to the bacon fat and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add soaked peas, water or broth, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 45-60 minutes or until peas are tender.
- Stir in cooked bacon and apple cider vinegar. Simmer another 5 minutes.
- Remove bay leaves, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with green onions or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or smoked ham hock instead of bacon for a different smoky flavor.
- Serve with cornbread or rice for a complete Southern meal.
- Leftovers taste great and can be reheated easily.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: black eyed peas recipe, southern cooking, soul food, easy side dish, smoky peas