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Classic Southern Black Eyed Peas with Bacon

Close-up of a white bowl filled with savory black eyed peas topped with crispy bacon pieces.
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Make tender, smoky black eyed peas simmered with bacon and aromatics for a comforting side dish rooted in Southern tradition. This recipe is simple and delivers deep flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
  • 6 cups water or chicken broth
  • 4 ounces bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed black eyed peas and water or broth in a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. Drain off most of the liquid, leaving about 2 cups of liquid in the pot.
  2. While the peas simmer, cook the chopped bacon in a separate skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Add the chopped onion to the bacon fat in the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add the onion and garlic mixture, cooked bacon, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaf to the pot with the partially cooked black eyed peas.
  6. Stir well. Return the pot to a simmer, cover partially, and cook for another 30 to 60 minutes, or until the peas are tender. Add more water or broth if the mixture becomes too dry.
  7. Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Notes

  • For a New Year’s tradition, serve these peas with a piece of smoked ham hock instead of bacon for deeper flavor.
  • If you prefer a creamier texture, mash about 1/4 cup of the cooked peas against the side of the pot and stir them back in.
  • These peas pair well served over cooked white rice or alongside collard greens.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/classic-southern-black-eyed-peas-recipe/