What are Black-Eyed Peas?
Black-eyed peas are a staple legume in Southern cooking, prized for their creamy texture and unique flavor. They’re more than just a tasty side dish, though. Black-eyed peas are often associated with good luck and prosperity, especially when eaten on New Year’s Day.
In the South, black-eyed peas are more than just food; they’re a tradition, passed down through generations. Eating them on New Year’s is a cultural ritual, a way to usher in good fortune for the year ahead.
This southern black-eyed peas recipe captures that tradition, offering a classic preparation that works equally well in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. Smoked meat and aromatics create a rich, savory base for the peas, resulting in a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor.
Ingredients for authentic Southern black-eyed peas
Good Southern black-eyed peas aren’t just about the peas; they’re about the whole flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need to build that classic Southern taste:
The foundation: Black-eyed peas
For the best flavor and texture, use 1 pound (16 ounces) of dried black-eyed peas. You’ll want to soak them first—either overnight or with the quick-soak method.
The flavor base: Aromatics and seasonings
The aromatics:
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 3-6 cloves of garlic, minced
The seasonings:
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2-3 teaspoons Creole or Cajun seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- Lemon pepper seasoning (optional “secret ingredient”)
The smoky element: Meat selection
For the smoky flavor, you can add:
- 1 pound smoked turkey wings or legs
- Ham hocks or bacon as alternatives
- Bacon grease or duck fat instead of olive oil
The liquid: Broth
You’ll want about 6 cups of low-sodium or unsalted chicken broth or stock.
Preparing black-eyed peas: soaking and beyond
Before you start cooking your black-eyed peas, you’ll need to soak them. Soaking softens the peas and makes them easier to digest.
Soaking methods
- Overnight soak: Put the black-eyed peas in a large bowl, add water to cover, and let them sit for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Quick soak: If you don’t have time for an overnight soak, bring the black-eyed peas and water to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let them sit for 1 hour.
Preparing the aromatics
Aromatics are the herbs and vegetables that form the flavor base of a dish.
- Sautéing: Chop an onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté them in olive oil or bacon grease until they’re soft. For a little heat, consider adding a chopped jalapeño.
- Building flavor: Creole or Cajun seasoning is a must for Southern-style black-eyed peas. Add it to the sautéed aromatics, along with any other spices you like.
Cooking Methods: Stovetop vs. Instant Pot
You can cook black-eyed peas on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot or other electric pressure cooker. Here’s how:
Stovetop Method
- Combine ingredients. In a big pot, mix together the soaked black-eyed peas, aromatics (onions, garlic, and peppers), smoked meat, broth, and bay leaves.
- Simmer. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender. This usually takes 60 to 90 minutes.
- Adjust consistency. If you like a thicker broth, mash some of the peas against the side of the pot. You can also simmer the peas uncovered for the last 15 minutes or so to help the liquid reduce.
Instant Pot Method
- Sauté. Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté function and cook the onions, peppers, and garlic for about 7 minutes until they’re soft.
- Pressure cook. Add the black-eyed peas, smoked meat, broth, and bay leaves to the Instant Pot. Cook on manual or pressure cook setting for 35 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 7 to 10 minutes.
- Quick release and adjust. After the natural release, release any pressure that’s still in the pot. Check the peas to see if they’re as tender as you like them. If not, cook them a little longer. Adjust the seasonings to your taste.
Flavor Enhancement and Variations
This black-eyed peas recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and adjust it to your liking. Here are some ideas:
Adjusting Seasonings
The most important thing is to taste as you go! Once the peas are tender, give them a taste and add more Creole/Cajun seasoning, salt, pepper, or any other spices that strike your fancy. A dash of Worcestershire sauce can also add a nice depth of flavor.
Exploring Variations
- Meat substitutions: Try different smoked meats like ham hocks, bacon, or even smoked turkey legs. Each will lend its own unique flavor to the dish.
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño or Creole seasoning to control the heat. If you like it mild, use less. If you like it hot, add more!
- Vegetarian option: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the meat and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Achieving Creaminess
If you prefer a creamier texture, there are a couple of ways to achieve it:
- Mashing: Use a potato masher to gently mash some of the peas right in the pot. This will release their starch and thicken the broth.
- Roux: For extra richness and creaminess, consider adding a roux (a mixture of flour and fat cooked together).
What to serve with black-eyed peas
Black-eyed peas are a Southern staple, and they go perfectly with all sorts of classic dishes.
Southern Sides
- Cornbread: This is a must.
- Collard Greens: You can’t go wrong with this combo.
- Rice: Spoon your black-eyed peas over a bed of rice for a filling meal.
- Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits are great for sopping up the pot liquor.
Protein Pairings
Black-eyed peas can be a side dish to chicken, beef, or ham.
Plating and Presentation
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
Storing and Reheating
Got leftovers? Here’s how to handle them:
Storage
- Keep leftover black-eyed peas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Reheat the peas on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave.
- If they’ve gotten too thick, stir in a little broth or water while you reheat them.
Closing Thoughts
So, to recap, the key to a truly delicious Southern black-eyed peas recipe is to start with quality ingredients, don’t skimp on the aromatics, and let everything simmer low and slow until the peas are perfectly tender. Remember that ham hock or bacon for smoky flavor!
And while this recipe is perfect year-round, remember the tradition: eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is said to bring good luck. Whether you believe it or not, it’s a delicious way to start the year.
Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe, put your own spin on it, and share it with family and friends. And while you’re at it, why not explore more of the South’s incredible culinary heritage?