black eyed peas with bacon recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
black eyed peas with bacon recipe
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The Best black eyed peas with bacon recipe

I’m so excited to share this delicious black eyed peas with bacon recipe with you all. This dish has been a staple in my family for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special dinner or just a weeknight meal. The combination of the smoky bacon, the sweetness of the black eyed peas, and the tanginess of the vinegar is absolutely divine.

It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and I’m happy to be able to share it with you all. I remember growing up, my grandmother would make this dish for special occasions, and it would always be the star of the show. She’d spend hours in the kitchen, cooking up a big pot of these tender legumes, and the smell would fill the entire house.

It was always a treat to come home and find that she’d made this dish for us. As I got older, I started making it myself, and now I love sharing it with my own family. There’s something special about cooking up a big pot of black eyed peas that just feels like home to me.

It’s comforting, it’s nourishing, and it’s always a hit with my kids (who are notoriously picky eaters). This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences – want more bacon? Add it!

Want less vinegar? That’s okay too! The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile – serve it as a side dish, use it as a topping for tacos or salads, or even make it into a hearty soup.

It’s truly one of my favorite recipes of all time.

Black Eyed Peas with Bacon

Black Eyed Peas with Bacon

4.7 from 658 votes

This hearty Southern dish combines tender black eyed peas with smoky bacon for a comforting meal. It is perfect for New Year’s Day or any time you crave soulful flavors.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time1 hour 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hour 45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Peas

1 pound dried black eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 green onions, sliced for garnish

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the dried black eyed peas in a large bowl and cover with water by 2 inches.
2Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
3Drain and rinse the peas before cooking.
4In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy, about 8 minutes.
5Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
6Add the diced onion to the bacon fat and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
7Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, and dried thyme and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
8Add the drained black eyed peas, bay leaf, chicken broth, and water to the pot.
9Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.
10Simmer gently for 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender but not mushy.
11Remove the bay leaf and stir in the salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar.
12Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
13The broth should be slightly thickened and the peas creamy.
14Serve the black eyed peas in bowls topped with the crispy bacon and sliced green onions.
15For best texture, allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy pot
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 25mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 12g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth. You can also add a ham hock for extra smoky flavor if desired. Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Watch Video Of How Black Eyed Peas with Bacon Works

This black eyed peas with bacon recipe is always a hit with my family – we love serving it at family gatherings and special occasions.

One of the best things about this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize – if you want more or less of something, just adjust accordingly!

For storage ideas, simply let the leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Black Eyed Peas with Bacon

Q: What type of bacon is best for this recipe?

I like to use thick-cut bacon because it adds a nice smoky flavor to the dish. You can also use regular bacon if you prefer – just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I use canned black eyed peas instead of fresh?

While canned black eyed peas are convenient, they just don’t have the same texture or flavor as fresh ones. If you’re short on time or can’t find fresh black eyed peas at your local grocery store, then canned is fine.

Q: How do I store leftover black eyed peas?

Store leftover black eyed peas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?

Yes! Black eyed peas pair well with so many different ingredients – try adding diced onions, chopped bell peppers, or sliced jalapenos for added flavor.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

No – this recipe contains bacon which makes it non-vegetarian.

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