How to Make Southern Black-Eyed Peas

Black-eyed peas are a popular Southern food.

Black-eyed peas have long been considered a staple of good ole' down home cooking in the South as well as a popular item to be consumed on New Years Day to bring good luck throughout the year. The peas are believed to have originated in North Africa and were introduced to the New World by African slaves and Spanish explorers. Over the years they have been used in a variety of soups, salads and other dishes. One popular recipe in the South is to slow cook the beans in a crock pot with ham or bacon.

Things You'll Need

• 1 lb. dried black-eyed peas
• Colander
• 1 small onion
• 1 large ham hock
• 4 slices cooked bacon
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper
• Large saucepan
• Crock pot

Instructions

1. Place the dried peas in a colander and sort through them, removing all small pebbles and debris. Rinse the peas under cold water. Cover the peas with water in a large saucepan by approximately 3 inches. Bring them to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let the peas simmer for one hour or until tender. Follow Step 2 while the peas are simmering.

2. Cut the onion into tiny minced pieces. Place the onion pieces in the crock pot with the ham hock, cooked bacon, pepper, garlic and salt. Pour in 3 cups of water and place the crock pot temperature setting on high. Allow the ham hock mixture to cook while the peas are simmering.

3. Add the tender peas to the crock pot and reduce the temperature to low. Cover the pot and allow the peas to cook with the meat for approximately eight hours. Check the pot after a few hours and taste a sample. Add additional salt, pepper or seasoning if necessary. Serve the black-eyed peas with hot cornbread or homemade buttermilk biscuits to add more Southern flare.

Tips & Warnings

• You can soak the peas overnight if desired. Rinse them as directed above and then cover with 1 inch of cold water. Put a lid on the pot and soak in the refrigerator. Drain the water and replace with fresh for cooking. Reduce the cooking time to 1 to 2 hours.

• Ham hocks are available in most grocery stores in the refrigerated meat section. They usually come in packs of two or three, and extras can be stored in the freezer.

• Leftover peas freeze well. Freeze in individual portions for an easy lunch or dinner.

References

• Chowhound: Black Eyed Peas for New Years: History?
• Whats Cooking America: Dried Beans