Southern black eyed peas are a staple in many households, and for good reason. They’re quick, healthy, and packed with flavor, making them a great addition to any meal. I’ve always had a special place in my heart for southern black eyed peas, and it’s because of my grandmother’s famous recipe that she’d make for our family gatherings. She’d spend hours in the kitchen, simmering the peas in a rich broth with a blend of spices that would fill the entire house with an irresistible aroma. To this day, the smell of southern black eyed peas cooking on the stovetop brings back fond memories of those family gatherings.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
I still remember the first time I tried my grandmother’s southern black eyed peas recipe. I was a child, and I was immediately hooked. The combination of the tender peas, the rich broth, and the blend of spices was like nothing I’d ever tasted before. As I grew older, I began to appreciate the effort and love that my grandmother put into making this dish. She’d always say that the key to making great southern black eyed peas was to use only the freshest ingredients and to never rush the cooking process. I’ve carried on that tradition, and now I’m excited to share this recipe with you.
Ingredients
To make this delicious southern black eyed peas recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup dried southern black eyed peas, sorted and rinsed
- 1 pound smoked bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
Making this southern black eyed peas recipe is easier than you think. Here’s how to do it:
- In a large pot, combine the southern black eyed peas and enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 1 hour, or until the peas are tender.
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet and cook until the vegetables are tender.
Expert Tips for Best Results
To get the best results from this southern black eyed peas recipe, make sure to use only the freshest ingredients. This means using dried southern black eyed peas that have not been sitting on the shelf for too long, as well as fresh vegetables and herbs. It’s also important to not rush the cooking process, as this can result in undercooked or overcooked peas. By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a delicious and hearty dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro at making southern black eyed peas in no time.
Serving Suggestions
There are many ways to serve southern black eyed peas, and the options are endless. You can serve them as a side dish, accompanied by a variety of meats such as fried chicken, pork chops, or beef brisket. You can also serve them as a main course, paired with a side of cornbread or biscuits. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can serve the southern black eyed peas with a side of roasted vegetables or a salad. No matter how you choose to serve them, southern black eyed peas are sure to be a hit.
Conclusion
In conclusion, southern black eyed peas are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. With their rich, slightly sweet flavor and tender texture, they’re a great addition to any meal. By following the recipe outlined above, you’ll be able to create a hearty and flavorful dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether you’re looking for a side dish, a main course, or a vegetarian option, southern black eyed peas are a great choice. So next time you’re planning a meal, be sure to give them a try.
Classic Southern Black Eyed Peas with Bacon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, combine the southern black eyed peas and enough water to cover them (approx. 4 cups). Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer, covered, for **1 hour**, or until the peas are mostly tender. Drain well.1 cup dried southern black eyed peas, 4 cups water
- In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, reserving 1-2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the skillet.1 pound smoked bacon
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper to the skillet with the reserved bacon fat and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.1 large onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 large bell pepper
- Transfer the cooked peas, sautéed vegetables, crispy bacon, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and pepper to the large pot. Add more water/broth if necessary to cover the ingredients.1 cup dried southern black eyed peas, 1 pound smoked bacon, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, Salt and pepper
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue to cook for **15-30 minutes** (or longer), until the peas are fully tender and the flavors have melded.
- Season generously with salt (salt should only be added after the peas are tender to prevent toughening) and pepper to taste before serving hot.Salt and pepper
Notes
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