Black eyed peas are not only a southern staple, they’re also a symbol of luck and success. Their coin-like appearance is associated with wealth, while their ability to thrive in harsh environments is seen as a sign of resilience. Black eyed peas are often paired with collard greens to represent financial prosperity.
Fun fact: Many families enjoy this dish on New Year’s Day as a cherished tradition believed to bring good luck and fortune for the year ahead.
How to Serve
Whether you’re serving them up on the side or as the main entrée, there are many food pairings that go well with black eyed peas.
Meats
- Chicken or fish (fried or oven baked)
- Neck bones
- Ribs
- Oxtails
- Turkey wings
- Ham
Sides
- White rice
- Cornbread
- Candied yams or sweet potatoes
- Collard greens
- Green beans
- Fried okra
- Mac & cheese
Variations
- Beans: Raw black eyed peas are often used in this recipe, but they require a lot of prep that includes sorting and pre-soaking. To save time you can use canned peas that have been drained and rinsed before adding to the pot.
- Meat: Any type of smoked meat will work – smoked turkey (neck/wings), ham hocks, or bacon.
- Vegetables: Onions and garlic are the usuals but you can also add collard greens (as mentioned above), bell peppers and/or celery.
- Serve with white rice or as a side dish with cornbread.
Yield: 2-4 servings
Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 15oz cans black eyed peas, drained & rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1 small smoked turkey neck
- 1 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp seasoning salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cajun seasoning
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- A pinch of sugar
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a large stock pot on medium heat and add oil.
- Add onions and cook until onions start to caramelize (~5 min). Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add chicken stock, seasonings and turkey neck to the pot and bring to a boil.
- Cover with lid and simmer on low heat until meat is tender. Stir occasionally.
- Remove smoked meat and set aside to cool.
- Using either a fork or your hands, remove the meat from the bone and add back into the pot.
- Drain / rinse peas and add to pot. Mix well.
- Simmer uncovered for ~30 min or until peas are soft.
- User a potato masher to mash some of the peas and stir until well combined.
- Repeat the above step until peas reach desired consistency. Add more stock if needed.
- Taste test and adjust seasonings as needed.
Notes
- If you don't have a potato masher, you can also use the back of a spoon to mash the peas against the side of the pot.
- You can add the bone from the turkey neck back into the pot after separating if you want extra meaty flavor.