Mamas Lucky Black Eyed Peas
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever wonder why some folks eat Southern Black Eyed Peas on New Year's? It's more than just tradition. It’s like a flavorful hug, a wish for good fortune in every bite.
These New Years Beans are the real deal, packed with smoky goodness and a hint of spice.
Brief Overview
This recipe is rooted deep in Southern Comfort Food . It's a symbol of prosperity and luck for the coming year.
Don't worry, this Easy Black Eyed Peas Recipe is manageable. It takes about 2 hours total, and feeds 6-8 hungry souls.
Main Benefits
Packed with fiber and protein, these Black Eyed Peas Southern are good for your gut and your soul. This recipe for Black Eyed Peas with Ham Hock is perfect for a New Year's Day feast.
Or anytime you need a comforting dose of Soul Food Recipes . Honestly, it is the Best Black Eyed Peas I've ever made.
Let’s talk ingredients. We’re building flavour, baby. Think smoky bacon, savory ham hock, and all those yummy veggies simmering together.
The key is the low and slow cooking, which allows all those flavours to meld into pure magic. Honestly, I've had some real kitchen nightmares trying to rush this Stove Top Black Eyed Peas dish before.
You'll need dried black eyed peas, obvs. Then, you're gonna want some bacon, a ham hock, onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic.
Smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne (if you're feeling feisty), a bay leaf, and some apple cider vinegar to brighten things up.
Don’t forget salt and pepper, and fresh parsley for garnish. I remember one time I forgot the parsley. Don’t be like me.
Get that green stuff!
Honestly, the ham hock is the secret weapon in this recipe. It adds such a rich, smoky depth of flavor.
If you can't find a ham hock, smoked ham will do in a pinch. But seriously, hunt down that ham hock if you can.
Trust me on this one. This isn't just food; it is Lucky New Year's Food !
Ingredients & Equipment
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need. We're making some proper Southern Black Eyed Peas - the kind that'll have you sayin', "Oh my gosh!".
This is soul food at its finest! Plus, eating New Years Beans brings good luck, right?
Main Ingredients: The Flavor Starts Here
Listen up! Here's what you need. I use all this for my easy black eyed peas recipe .
- Dried Black Eyed Peas: You'll need 1 pound (that's about 450g). Make sure they're clean!
- Water/Broth: Go for 8 cups (around 1.9 liters). Chicken broth is yum, but water works, too. Low sodium's the key here.
- Veggies: Chop up 1 large yellow onion. Plus, 2 celery stalks, and 1 green bell pepper. Mince 4 garlic cloves.
- Bacon: Roughly 6 slices, chopped. Because bacon makes everything better, innit?
- Ham Hock: One 1 pound (450g) ham hock. Or 1 cup diced ham will do.
- Spices: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Also, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if you're brave!).
- Finishing Touch: Got 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar? Then grab some fresh parsley. Salt and pepper to taste.
For my best black eyed peas , it's all about good ingredients. Find plump, unbroken peas. Quality bacon makes all the difference too. Trust me!
Seasoning Notes: The Secret Sauce
The combo of smoked paprika and thyme is a MUST. It’s what gives these black eyed peas southern flavor that southern comfort food feeling.
If you don't have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar will work, but honestly , the apple cider vinegar adds such a nice touch!
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
For your Stove Top Black Eyed Peas cooking adventure, you only need a few basic bits of kit.
- Dutch Oven or Big Pot: You need something heavy bottomed.
- Chopping Board & Knife: Obvs.
- Measuring Utensils: Cups and spoons are your friends.
- Wooden Spoon: For stirrin'.
Don’t sweat it if you don’t have a Dutch oven. Any big pot will do. Just make sure it’s sturdy!
That's it! You're all set to make some lucky new year's food . This black eyed peas with ham hock recipe will become your new favourite. Have fun!
Mama's Lucky Black Eyed Peas: A Flavor Bomb From the South
This ain't your grandma's bland black eyed peas ! We're talkin' deep, smoky flavor. A touch of spice, and all the good vibes that Southern comfort food is famous for.
Honestly, this recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl. This recipe takes the traditional black eyed peas and kicks it up a notch with bacon, ham hock, and a whole lotta love.
Perfect for New Year's Day (for that good luck juju!) or any day you're craving some seriously satisfying comfort food.
You know, I always make a big pot of Southern Black Eyed Peas for New Years Beans . It's a tradition! My great aunt Mabel swore it brought her good fortune.
Maybe it's just the deliciousness, but I'm not taking any chances.
Prep Steps That Actually Matter
Before we dive in, let's get organised. Mise en place is your best friend, trust me. Chop your onion, celery, and bell pepper.
Mince that garlic. Dice the bacon. You know? Get all that prep done. This way, you won't be scrambling mid-cook and accidentally burning your garlic.
We're aiming for delicious, not disastrous, Best Black Eyed Peas ! Remember to rinse your fresh black eyed peas recipe easy and well!
Also, a little safety reminder: sharp knives are your friends, but treat them with respect! Keep those fingers out of the way when chopping.
step-by-step To Stove Top Black Eyed Peas Glory
Okay, here's the lowdown:
- Fry up your bacon in a large pot (Dutch oven is ideal). Take it out and set aside. Keep that bacon fat!
- Sauté the onion, celery, and bell pepper in the bacon fat until soft. About 5- 7 minutes does the trick. Then, throw in the minced garlic for the last minute.
- Add the Black Eyed Peas with Ham Hock , water (or broth), smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne (if you're feeling brave), and a bay leaf.
- Bring it to a boil, then turn the heat way down, cover, and simmer. About 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours . Stir every so often.
- Take out the ham hock. Shred the meat. Put it back in the pot. Salt and pepper to taste. Stir in some apple cider vinegar.
- Top with bacon crumbles and parsley. Boom! Soul Food Recipes done right.
Pro Tips From Yours Truly
Want to take your Easy Black Eyed Peas Recipe to the next level? Here's the secret: don't skimp on the smoked paprika! It gives it that authentic Southern flavor.
And be patient, don't rush the simmering. Low and slow is the key.
Also, watch out for burning the garlic. Burnt garlic is a flavor killer. You know?
And if you're really on the ball, you can make these a day ahead. The flavors get even better overnight. They make the perfect Lucky New Year's Food !
Honestly? These Southern Black Eyed Peas are easier than they sound. With a little patience, and a dash of love, you'll be serving up a pot of pure Southern comfort that will impress even your pickiest eaters.
Alright, let's chat about some recipe notes for my Mama's Lucky Southern Black Eyed Peas . I really want you to nail this dish! Honestly, this is the best Black Eyed Peas recipe I've ever made, and I want to share all my secrets with you.
Serving Up Some Good Luck
- Plating and Presentation Ideas . Think rustic charm! Serve these New Years Beans in a warm bowl. Garnish with crispy bacon and fresh parsley. A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy touch. Presentation is key, right?
- Complementary Sides or Beverages . Cornbread is a must ! Collard greens are a perfect pairing, too. Wash it all down with sweet tea. Oh my gosh, so good!
Storage Savvy
- Refrigeration Guidelines . Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container. They'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Honestly, they taste even better the next day!
- Freezing Options . Freezing these Black Eyed Peas Southern is easy. Let them cool completely first. Then, portion them into freezer safe bags. They'll last for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Instructions . Reheat on the stove top . Add a splash of water or broth. This keeps them from drying out. You can also microwave them. Do it in short intervals.
Remixing the Recipe: Making it Your Own
- Dietary Adaptations . Want a vegetarian version? Ditch the bacon and ham hock. Use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika and liquid smoke for flavor. Bam! A Soul Food Recipe transformation.
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps . Experiment with other seasonal veggies. Sweet potatoes or butternut squash are great additions in the fall. You know? It is all about adding your touch.
Nutrition Basics
- Simplified Nutrition Information . These Southern Comfort Food Black Eyed Peas with Ham Hock are packed with protein and fiber. These are estimated values. Each serving has approximately 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, and 15 grams of fiber.
- Key Health Benefits . Black eyed peas are a great source of plant based protein. They're also rich in fiber and iron. Perfect Lucky New Year's Food for a healthy start to the year!
So, there you have it! My Easy Black Eyed Peas Recipe notes! Cooking is all about having fun and experimenting.
Don't be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own. I really hope you enjoy this Fresh Black Eyed Peas Recipe Easy .
Trust me, you got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need to soak my black eyed peas before making Southern Black Eyed Peas?
Soaking isn't strictly necessary, but it can help speed up the cooking process and make the peas more digestible, especially if you have a sensitive stomach like after one too many Sunday roasts! A good rinse will do the job otherwise. If you do choose to soak, aim for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Just remember to drain and rinse them well before cooking!
Can I make these Southern Black Eyed Peas vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely! Just ditch the bacon and ham hock and use vegetable broth instead of water. To mimic the smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika and maybe a splash of liquid smoke it’ll give you that same depth without the meat. You won't miss the pork, promise!
What's the best way to store leftover black eyed peas? How long will they last?
Leftover Southern Black Eyed Peas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing, and they'll be just as good as new!
I don't have a ham hock. What can I substitute in my Southern Black Eyed Peas?
No worries, mate! If you can't find a ham hock, you can use diced smoked ham, a smoked turkey leg, or even some smoked sausage in a pinch. These will all add that lovely smoky flavour. Just remember to adjust the salt accordingly, as some smoked meats can be quite salty.
How can I add a bit more flavour to my Southern Black Eyed Peas - they seem a little bland?
Flavor is king! Make sure you're using enough salt and pepper, and don't be afraid to experiment with other spices. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick, or try a dash of hot sauce at the end. Also, a splash of apple cider vinegar really brightens up the flavours.
Are Southern Black Eyed Peas actually good luck, or is that just a load of old codswallop?
Well, whether or not they actually bring good luck is up for debate it's more of a superstition, really, like avoiding walking under ladders. But eating Southern Black Eyed Peas on New Year's Day is a tradition in the American South, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.
So, even if it's just placebo, it certainly can't hurt, can it?
Mamas Lucky Black Eyed Peas
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 15g |
