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Southern black eyed peas with smoked turkey in a white bowl
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5 from 1 vote

Southern Black Eyed Peas

Southern Black Eyed Peas are a soul food staple for New Year’s, Sunday dinners, or any gathering. This dish is made with a rich pot liquor broth using smoked turkey or ham hocks.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 3 hours
Servings 10 servings
Calories 119kcal
Author Brandi Crawford

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped white onion
  • 3 garlic cloves Minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth or water Broth adds flavor.
  • 1 pound bag dried black eyed peas Rinsed.
  • 1 - 1/2 pounds smoked turkey Fully cooked. See notes for substitutions.
  • 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  • Fill a large pot or soup pot with water (enough to cover the black eyed peas). Place the pot on the stove to boil. Once the water has boiled, remove it from the heat and add the black eyed peas. Allow the beans to soak for 1 hour and drain.
    Alternatively, you can soak the beans in cold water overnight.
  • Place the same pot on the stove on medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
  • When hot, add the onions and garlic. Saute until translucent and fragrant.
  • Add in the chicken broth, black eyed peas, smoked turkey, Creole seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir.
  • Place the lid on the pot and lower the heat to medium-low. Cook for 2-3 hours until the beans are soft. Test if the beans are finished by grabbing one bean out of the pot and mashing it with a spoon or fork.
  • Open up the pot and remove the bay leaf and smoked turkey. Use 2 forks and shred the turkey and return it to the pot. Taste repeatedly and add salt and pepper to taste if needed.
  • Cool before serving.

Notes

  • Not soaking the black eyed peas in advance will likely add a couple of hours to your cook time.
  • Rinse the black eyes peas first to remove any surface dirt.
  • You can reduce the amount of broth used in the recipe if you wish. 4-5 cups is adequate for a pound of beans.
  • Check the beans frequently to ensure they aren't overcooked and mushy.
  • You can substitute ham hocks, a leftover ham bone, salt pork, country ham, or bacon for smoked turkey.
  • You can double the black eyed peas and use the same amount of smoked turkey or opt for one slightly larger. The cook time will remain the same. 
  • You can substitute Creole seasoning for whatever flavor or spice blend you like.

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 119kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 2g