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Sarah

Southern Black Eyed Peas (Creamy, Ham Bone or Bacon)

Tender, smoky Southern black-eyed peas simmered with ham bone or bacon and finished silky-creamy. Includes stovetop, slow cooker, Instant Pot, and oven directions.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 cups
Course: Main, Side Dish
Cuisine: Southern
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  • 1 lb dried black-eyed peas (≈2 cups), sorted and rinsed
  • 1 piece ham bone or ham hock (12–16 oz) or 6–8 oz bacon, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil (skip if using bacon)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth/water + bouillon), more as needed
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried thyme (or 2 tsp fresh)
  • ½ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
  • ¼–½ tsp cayenne or a few dashes hot sauce (optional)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt (start here; adjust at end)
  • 2 Tbsp butter (optional creamy finish)
  • ¼–½ cup evaporated milk or cream (optional creamy finish)
  • 1–2 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (to finish)
  • green onions, for serving

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or heavy pot
  • cutting board
  • knife
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • ladle

Method

  • If soaking, cover peas with water for 8–12 hours (or quick-soak: boil 2 min, rest 1 hr). Drain before using.
  • In a Dutch oven, brown bacon until crisp or sear ham hock in oil; remove and reserve.
  • Sauté onion, celery, and bell pepper 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
  • Add peas, ham bone or bacon, broth, bay leaf, paprika, thyme, pepper, and cayenne. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  • Cover and cook 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender and broth is slightly thickened.
  • Remove ham bone; shred meat and return to the pot. Adjust salt to taste.
  • For a creamy finish, mash 1 cup of peas in the pot and stir in butter and/or evaporated milk.
  • Off heat, add vinegar or lemon juice. Adjust thickness with extra broth. Garnish with green onions and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 15gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 580mgFiber: 8gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 450IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 2.2mg

Notes

Vegetarian: skip the meat; add 1 Tbsp white miso or soy sauce and extra smoked paprika for depth. Extra creamy: mash more peas and stir in dairy. Spicier: add jalapeño with aromatics or finish with hot sauce. Internal links: serve alongside easy mashed potatoes, crockpot beef stew, or one-pot cheeseburger macaroni.
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