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Ultimate Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas with Ham Hock

Close-up of creamy black eyed peas in a white bowl, topped with crispy bacon pieces.
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Make rich, savory Southern Black Eyed Peas that taste like they simmered all day. This recipe delivers classic comfort food flavor, perfect for a hearty side dish or New Year’s good luck tradition.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
  • 1 smoked ham hock (or 4 slices thick-cut bacon for smoky flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon grease
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (added at the end)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk (for vegetarian option)

Instructions

  1. If you are not using canned peas, soak the dried black eyed peas in water overnight, then drain them. For a quicker method, cover the peas with water and bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then let stand for 1 hour, then drain.
  2. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, heat the olive oil or bacon grease over medium heat. Add the onion and celery and cook until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the drained black eyed peas, ham hock (or bacon), chicken or vegetable broth, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and cayenne pepper if using.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If using bacon, remove the bacon pieces after 1 hour and set aside, shredding the meat if desired.
  6. Once the peas are tender, remove and discard the ham hock bone and bay leaf. Stir in the apple cider vinegar.
  7. For creamy black eyed peas, stir in the heavy cream or coconut milk now. Simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes to allow the liquid to thicken slightly.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, perhaps with a side of cornbread.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian or vegan version, skip the ham hock and bacon. Use vegetable broth and add 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke or an extra 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a deep, smoky flavor.
  • If you prefer a slow cooker black eyed peas method, combine all ingredients (except cream/vinegar) in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in vinegar and cream during the last 30 minutes.
  • These peas are excellent for meal prep and taste even better the next day.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://yumdrizzle.com/creamy-southern-black-eyed-peas-recipe/