Southern Black Eyed Peas

Overhead shot of a bowl of black eyed peas. Slices of bread and a striped napkin are nearby.

Black Eyed Peas are said to bring luck and prosperity in the new year if enjoyed on New Year’s Eve! This black eyed peas recipe is cooked with bacon and sausage until creamy and flavorful. Hoppin John recipes can be served over rice and with corn bread for a complete Southern feast.

Course Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine Southern

Keyword Bacon, Bean Recipes, New Years Recipes, Southern Recipes

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 50

Total Time 2 50

Servings people

Calories 221kcal

Author Darcey Olson

Cost $20

Ingredients

1 Lb Black Eyed Peas *Note 1
4 Bacon Slices, Chopped
1 Cup Sliced Smoked Sausage or Smoked Turkey *Note 2
1 Large Onion, Diced
1 Stalk Celery, Thinly Sliced
1 tsp Dried Thyme
2 Dried Bay Leaf
3 tsp Minced Garlic
2-3 tsp Creole Seasoning *Note 3
7 Cups Chicken Broth *Note 4
2 Cups Collard Greens( or Kale)
Salt and Black Pepper, To Taste

Instructions

Prep The Beans:

Add the dry black-eyed peas to a colander and rinse. Pick through and discard any rocks or broken beans.
Transfer the beans to a large bowl and cover with 3-4" of cold water. Cover and let soak for 2-3 hours. (*Note 1)

Make The Dish:

Pre-heat a large stock pot (or dutch oven) over medium-high heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy (approx. 4-5 minutes). Add the sausage and sauté until browned (approx. 2-3 minutes). Transfer the bacon and sausage mixture to a medium size bowl and set aside.
To the same stock pot, add the onions, celery, thyme and bay leafs and sauté until the onions are translucent and soft (approx. 3-5 minutes). Add in the garlic and creole seasoning and saute for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Stir in the chicken broth, drained soaked beans and salt (to taste) and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
Add the collard greens, and bacon/sausage mixture to the pot and continue to cook for another 10 minutes or more, stirring occasionally.
Continue to cook until the beans are tender (not mushy) and slightly thickened/creamy. Add more stock or water if the mixture becomes dry and thick.
Taste and add salt, black pepper and/or creole seasoning as desired.
Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Notes

Note 1 - You can skip soaking the beans, but you'll need to add time to the cooking step. You can also use canned beans, however you'll need to reduce the cook time to 15-20 minutes to avoid mushy beans.

Note 2 - This is a great way to use up leftover smoked ham, smoked turkey, smoked turkey wings or Instant Pot Turkey.

Note 3 - Adding this amount of creole seasoning does not create a spicy/hot dish. It elevates the flavor of the dish. Start with 2 tsp. and add extra as needed. If you love spice, start with 2 tsp. and add extra as needed. You can also use cajun seasoning in place of creole seasoning.

Note 4 - We use our Instant Pot Bone Broth. If making vegetarian black-eyed peas you can use vegetable stock.

Note 5 - Nutritional information is just an estimate. It does not include any extra salt or pepper you add. It also uses 1 cup of smoked sausage for the calculation.

Nutrition