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Classic Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas with Bacon

A white bowl filled with creamy black eyed peas topped with crispy bacon pieces.
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Make tender, smoky, and creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas using bacon for deep flavor. This easy recipe delivers classic comfort food perfect for a side dish or New Year’s tradition.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
  • 6 cups chicken broth (or water)
  • 4 ounces smoked bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Place the rinsed black eyed peas in a large pot or Dutch oven. Cover them with water by about two inches and let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain the soaking water before proceeding.
  2. In the same pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set them aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
  3. Add the diced onion to the pot with the bacon grease. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
  4. Add the drained black eyed peas, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot partially, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more broth or water if the mixture becomes too dry during cooking.
  6. Once the peas are tender, stir in the apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon just before serving. Serve hot, often alongside rice or greens.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. Sauté the onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of olive oil instead of bacon grease.
  • If you prefer a thicker consistency, remove about 1 cup of the cooked peas and mash them, then stir the mash back into the pot.
  • This recipe works well in a slow cooker; cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours after sautéing the aromatics and bacon on the stovetop.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/creamy-southern-black-eyed-peas-recipe/