If you're looking for a flavorful and comforting dish that's steeped in Southern tradition, these Southern Black-Eyed Peas are the perfect choice. Simmered with bacon, onions, and simple seasonings, this from-scratch recipe delivers big flavor with pantry staples you likely already have on hand. It's the kind of hearty, homemade meal that's perfect for New Year's Day or any day you're craving something cozy and satisfying.
These black-eyed peas have been a staple in my kitchen for years. Growing up, this dish was on the table every New Year's Day, and now I keep the tradition going with my own family.
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Black-eyed peas are one of my absolute favorite dishes. When prepared just right, their rich, smoky taste and the savory pot liquor create a dish that's comforting and satisfying. A true Southern classic. We love serving them with these Baked Pork Chops!
There is no better way to enjoy a bowl of black-eyed peas than with a piece of buttered cornbread to soak up all those lovely juices.
How To Make Southern Black Eyed Peas?
Cooking a delicious pot of black-eyed peas is super simple and doesn't require soaking the peas overnight. This recipe is straight forward and is great for the beginner cook.
STEP 1
Heat a large pot over medium heat and start sautéing the bacon and onions. Stop cooking the bacon before it becomes crispy; the goal is to render some of the fat and soften the onions. Sauté for about 6 minutes, stirring regularly to prevent burning.
STEP 2
Add in the water, peas and seasonings. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 3 hours, or until the peas are done and the liquid has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
STEP 3
Add more liquid if needed to ensure the peas do not go dry and burn. Adjust the seasonings if needed. Enjoy!
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📖 Recipe
Southern Black Eyed Peas
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups dry black eyed peas
- ½ cup onions small diced
- 4 slices thick cut bacon small diced
- 7 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pinch chipotle powder or cayenne powder
Instructions
- Rinse and sort through the peas. Remove and discard any bad peas, rocks or clumps of dirt.
- In a large pot over medium heat start sautéing the bacon and onions. Do not cook the bacon until it is crispy. You are looking for the bacon to have rendered off some of its fat and the onions to be softened. Only sauté for about 6 minutes, stirring regularly to ensure nothing burns.
- Add in the water, peas and seasonings. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 3 hours, or until the peas are done and the liquid has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add more liquid if needed to ensure the peas do not go dry and burn. Adjust the seasonings if needed. Enjoy!
💭 Tips
- Skip soaking black eyed peas overnight, you want them to cook low and slow to develop a rich and creamy broth.
- Don't skip rendering the bacon and sautéing the onions, this step builds layers of rich, savory flavor that make these black-eyed peas so delicious.
- Make sure to scrape up the brown bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan after cooking the bacon and onions, they add incredible flavor to the dish.
Kurstie Garcia says
So I prefer dry peas but I had my grandfather bring over some and quite a bit of presoaked black eyed peas. How should I cook them now to still have flavor? Or should I just go pick up dry ones?
Sky Pilgreen says
Definitely use them! Just simmer the peas until the flavor and texture are exactly where you want them. I hope this helps! Happy New Year!
Sheila says
These were great. Made them for New Year’s Day and they were a hit with the whole family.
Simply Scratch Made says
I am so happy to hear that, Sheila. Thanks for commenting!
Amanda says
I'm glad I found and tried this recipe before the new year. I love the flavor of black eyed peas and this recipe is a great way to cook them. Thank you!
Simply Scratch Made says
I am happy to hear you like the recipe!