Craving a dish that’s both comforting and packed with goodness? This crock pot black eyed peas recipe is your new best friend. Imagine coming home to the aroma of a slow-cooked, hearty meal that’s been doing all the work while you were out living your life. It’s incredibly quick to prep, loaded with healthy ingredients, and bursts with flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds. For me, there’s something truly special about a meal that simplifies my day without compromising on taste or nourishment.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Growing up, New Year’s Day always meant a big pot of black-eyed peas simmering on the stove. It wasn’t just a meal; it was a tradition, a symbol of good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Even now, the smell of black-eyed peas cooking brings back a flood of warm memories—my grandmother meticulously picking over the peas, the laughter, the shared anticipation of a delicious meal. This crock pot black eyed peas recipe carries on that tradition in a way that fits perfectly into my busy adult life, allowing me to recreate those cherished flavors and feelings with minimal effort. It’s a taste of home, simplified for today’s world.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting crock pot black eyed peas:
- Dry Ingredients:
- 1 pound dry black eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
- Aromatics & Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- Meat (Optional):
- 4-6 ounces smoked ham hock, bacon, or smoked turkey leg (for flavor)
- Liquids:
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
- 1 bay leaf
- Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and wholesome crock pot black eyed peas meal:
- Prepare Peas: Rinse and sort the dry black eyed peas, removing any debris. You do not need to pre-soak them for this crock pot method.
- Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the rinsed black eyed peas, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped bell pepper, chopped carrots, and chopped celery.
- Add Meat (Optional): If using, add the smoked ham hock, bacon, or smoked turkey leg to the slow cooker now.
- Pour Liquids & Season: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and the bay leaf. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the black eyed peas are tender. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker.
- Remove Bay Leaf & Meat: Once cooked, carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. If using a ham hock or turkey leg, remove it, shred the meat from the bone, and return the meat to the slow cooker. Discard any bones or skin.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the black eyed peas and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the hot crock pot black eyed peas into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Traditional Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare and Combine: Rinse and sort the dry black eyed peas. In your slow cooker, combine the rinsed peas, chopped onion, minced garlic, bell pepper, carrots, and celery. If using, add the smoked ham hock, bacon, or smoked turkey leg.1 pound dry black eyed peas, 1 large onion, 2 cloves garlic, 1 bell pepper, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 4-6 ounces smoked ham hock, bacon, or smoked turkey leg
- Add Liquids & Season: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth. Add salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and the bay leaf. Stir everything gently to combine.6 cups chicken or vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 bay leaf
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for **6-8 hours**, or on high for **3-4 hours**, until the black eyed peas are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Carefully remove and discard the bay leaf. If using smoked meat, remove it, shred the meat from the bone, and return the meat to the slow cooker. Discard bones/skin. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.4-6 ounces smoked ham hock, bacon, or smoked turkey leg, 1 bay leaf, Fresh parsley
Notes
Expert Tips for Best Results
To elevate your crock pot black eyed peas, consider a few expert tips. First, while soaking isn’t strictly necessary for a slow cooker, a quick rinse and sorting of the peas is crucial to remove any small stones or debris. Secondly, don’t skimp on the smoked meat; a ham hock or smoked turkey leg infuses an incredible depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate. If you’re vegetarian, a smoked paprika or a touch of liquid smoke can offer a similar savory warmth. Always taste and adjust your seasonings at the end of the cooking process. Broth brands vary in sodium, so adding salt towards the end prevents an overly salty dish. Lastly, for an even creamier texture, you can mash a small portion of the cooked peas against the side of the pot before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This crock pot black eyed peas recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a range of side dishes. For a classic Southern meal, serve it alongside a generous helping of fluffy cornbread or hot buttered biscuits, perfect for soaking up every last bit of the flavorful broth. A side of collard greens or mustard greens, braised until tender, complements the earthy richness of the peas. If you’re looking for a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, you can serve these black eyed peas over a bed of white or brown rice, turning it into a complete and satisfying main course. Don’t forget a splash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little extra kick!
Conclusion
Preparing crock pot black eyed peas is more than just cooking; it’s about creating a comforting, flavorful, and nutritious meal with minimal effort. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a dish that’s rich in tradition and taste, perfect for a cozy weeknight or a festive gathering. The convenience of the slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, delivering a depth that feels like it’s been simmering all day, even if you’ve only spent minutes on prep. Whether you’re seeking good luck for the new year or simply a wholesome, satisfying dinner, these crock pot black eyed peas are a testament to how easy and rewarding home cooking can be. Enjoy the warmth, the tradition, and the deliciousness that each spoonful brings.
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