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Southern Black Eyed Peas with Ham Hock Easy Good Luck Recipe

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This classic Southern dish features smoky ham hock and creamy black eyed peas simmered with aromatic veggies and spices. Perfect for New Year’s, chilly nights, or any time you crave comforting, hearty flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas (soaked overnight)
  • 6 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 large smoked ham hock (about 1 lb)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 large carrot, peeled and diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Hot sauce, a few dashes (to taste)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons oil (for sautéing veggies)

Instructions

  1. Place dried black eyed peas in a large bowl, cover with water by 2 inches, and soak overnight (about 8 hours). For quick soak, cover peas with boiling water, let sit 1 hour, then drain and rinse.
  2. In a Dutch oven or soup pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion, celery, and carrot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Stir in garlic, bay leaf, thyme, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until garlic is just golden.
  4. Add soaked and drained peas to the pot. Nestle ham hock in the center. Pour in water or chicken broth and stir gently.
  5. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
  6. After 1 hour, stir and check peas for tenderness. If still firm, simmer another 30-45 minutes, stirring every 15 minutes.
  7. Remove ham hock, shred meat off the bone, discard skin and fat, and return shredded meat to the pot.
  8. Stir in apple cider vinegar and adjust salt to taste. Add hot sauce if desired. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes to thicken.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or green onions. Pair with cornbread for a classic Southern meal.

Notes

Simmer gently to avoid mushy peas. Smoked ham hock gives the best flavor, but smoked turkey or bacon can substitute. For vegetarian, use smoked paprika and liquid smoke. Adjust seasoning at the end for best results. Leftovers keep well and flavors deepen overnight.

Nutrition

Keywords: black eyed peas, ham hock, Southern recipe, New Year's, comfort food, soul food, easy, gluten-free, hearty, traditional

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/southern-black-eyed-peas-with-ham-hock-easy-good-luck-recipe/