Hey! I'm Des!
Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.
Southern Black Eyed Peas
Southern Black Eyed Peas are a classic for a reason. With chunks of fresh vegetables, smoky bacon and seasonings these are packed with flavor!
Black Eyed Peas are a southern classic but admittedly something I didn’t eat a lot of until I was an adult. And now I am left wondering “why did I wait so long?!” They are delicious! Hearty, full of flavor and pretty easy to make.
I most often eat black eyed peas on New Years Day. It is a long held superstition that if you eat black eyed peas on New Years Day it will bring you luck throughout the year. Since we can all use a little bit of luck, why not?
And something that is supposed to bring luck also tastes freaking delicious so really, it’s a win all around.
Let’s talk about what you need to make Southern Black Eyed Peas:
Ingredients:
BLACK EYED PEAS: I use frozen for this recipe so there is no soaking or rinsing required. I haven’t tried this recipe with canned so I can’t say that those would be a good substitute.
BACON: For added smokiness to the peas.
CELERY/CARROTS/ONION: This classic mixture (also called mirepoix) adds flavor to so many dishes from soups and stews to these black eyed peas.
LOW SODIUM BEEF AND CHICKEN BROTH: I think the combo of the two adds an even greater depth of flavor and be sure to use low sodium so that you can control the saltiness of the final dish. Keep in mind that bacon can be pretty salty too.
DRIED BAY LEAF: When used in dishes like this, that simmer for a while, bay leaves it enhances the flavor and helps lighten up hearty dishes.
FRESH THYME LEAVES: Adds a slight peppery flavor.
How to make Southern Black Eyed Peas:
STEP #1: In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until the bacon has browned and the fat has rendered.
STEP #2: To the same pot, add the celery, carrots and onions. Cook just until they have started to soften, about 5 minutes.
STEP #3: Pour in both broths and add in the black eyed peas, bay leaves and thyme. Reduce heat and allow to simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the peas are tender. Remove bay leaves and thyme, season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.
These Southern Black Eyed Peas are so full of flavor. Slightly sweet, slightly smoky and so creamy and delicious. My whole family loved them! They make a particularly hearty side dish or can even make a meal all on their own.
Looking for more Southern Classic Recipes? Try these:
Fried Green Tomatoes with Bacon Ranch Dip
Southern Style Green Beans with Bacon
Southern Black Eyed Peas
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick cut bacon
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 12 ounces frozen black eyed peas
- 2 whole bay leaves
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until the bacon has browned and the fat has rendered.
- To the same pot, add the celery, carrots and onions. Cook just until they have started to soften, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in both broths and add in the black eyed peas, bay leaves and thyme. Reduce heat and allow to simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the peas are tender. Remove bay leaves and thyme. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Hey! I'm Des!
Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.