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Easy Southern Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey

A creamy bowl of comfort food featuring black eyed peas mixed in a sauce, topped with pulled pork and fresh parsley.
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Make comforting, flavorful Southern Black Eyed Peas using simple steps. This recipe delivers deep, traditional taste perfect for a hearty side dish or a New Year’s tradition.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
  • 1 smoked turkey wing or 1 ham hock
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 carrots, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed black eyed peas in a large pot or Dutch oven and cover them with water by about two inches. Soak them for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain the soaking water before proceeding.
  2. In a separate large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Cook until the vegetables soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and smoked paprika to the vegetables and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the drained black eyed peas, smoked turkey wing (or ham hock), broth, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the liquid reduces too much, add a little water or broth.
  6. Remove the bay leaf and the turkey wing/ham hock. Shred any meat from the bone and return the meat to the pot. Discard the bone.
  7. Stir in the apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. For creamier peas, mash a small portion of the peas against the side of the pot and stir them back in.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. This dish pairs well with rice or greens. If you are looking for quick weeknight solutions, consider using a meal planning approach to prep ingredients ahead of time.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, you can substitute the smoked turkey with bacon or smoked sausage, browning it before adding the vegetables.
  • If you skip the soaking step, increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes.
  • This recipe is a great example of comfort food favorites that use simple ingredients for big flavor.
  • If you are comparing cooking methods, this stovetop version is faster than slow cooker black eyed peas, though both yield great results.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.purecookingjoy.com/black-eyed-peas-comfort-recipe/

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