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Southern Black Eyed Peas

Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas
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Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas, soulful & easy! Enjoy this comforting classic. Try it today!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 Pound Dried Black Eyed Peas
  • 2 Smoked Ham Hocks
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1 large Yellow Onion, chopped
  • 1 large Green Bell Pepper, chopped
  • 2 Celery Stalks, chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth
  • 2 Bay Leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Creole Seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (or to taste)
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (for garnish)
  • 2 Green Onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
  • 3-4 Slices Crispy Bacon, crumbled (for garnish)
  • 1 cup Cornbread Crumbles (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Begin by properly preparing your dried black eyed peas. Sort through them carefully, removing any debris or shriveled peas. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water. While some recipes suggest an overnight soak, we prefer the quick soak method: place the rinsed peas in a large pot, cover with water by about two inches, bring to a rolling boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour. Drain well.
  • Next, in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add your chopped yellow onion, green bell pepper, and celery. Sauté these “holy trinity” aromatics for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant. They should be translucent, not browned. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This aromatic base is crucial for building deep flavor.
  • Now, it’s time to introduce the heart of the dish: add the two smoked ham hocks to the pot, nestling them among the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the drained black eyed peas, followed by 6 cups of chicken broth. Add the bay leaves, smoked paprika, Creole seasoning, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (adjust the cayenne to your heat preference). Stir everything gently to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the black eyed peas are incredibly tender and creamy. You’ll know they’re ready when they mash easily with the back of a spoon and the liquid has thickened to a rich consistency. Throughout the cooking process, give it an occasional stir and add a splash more broth or water if it gets too dry.
  • Towards the end, retrieve the ham hocks, allow them to cool slightly, then carefully shred the tender meat from the bone, discarding any fat or skin. Return the shredded ham meat to the pot. Before serving, stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated and heated through; this is your secret for ultimate creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – you might want a little more salt or pepper. This slow, patient simmer is key to infusing every pea with deep, smoky goodness and achieving that signature creamy texture.
  • GARNISHES: Crafting the perfect garnishes will elevate your Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas from delicious to extraordinary. Start by finely chopping fresh Italian parsley and thinly slicing the green onions, ensuring they are ready for a vibrant top-off. For the crispy bacon, cook 3-4 slices in a separate pan until perfectly crisp, then crumble them into small pieces. If you’re using cornbread crumbles, simply bake a small batch of your favorite cornbread, let it cool, and then crumble it by hand or pulse briefly in a food processor for a rustic texture. These garnishes add layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
  • SERVING: Ladle the velvety, creamy black eyed peas generously into warm, rustic bowls. Ensure each serving gets a good mix of the tender peas, creamy sauce, and bits of shredded ham hock. For that irresistible visual appeal and an added burst of flavor, sprinkle a generous amount of freshly chopped parsley over the top. Then, scatter those delightful crispy bacon crumbles, a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, and a few slices of fresh green onions. Don’t forget a side of warm, flaky cornbread for dipping! The contrast of the vibrant garnishes against the rich, earthy peas makes for an absolutely stunning presentation that beckons everyone to dig in.

Notes

Prepare yourself for a taste of pure Southern comfort with these phenomenal Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas! This isn’t just a side dish; it’s a hug in a bowl, a celebration of flavor, and a staple that brings warmth to any gathering.

Find it online: https://thecozycuppa.com/southern-black-eyed-peas-soulful-easy-recipe/