This Black Eyed Peas Recipe is cooked low and slow with tender smoked turkey. With this recipe, learn how to make black eyed peas using two common methods; the slow cooker and the stovetop. Ring in the New Year with a bowl of this deliciously satisfying southern side dish.
If you need more soul food side dish recipes, try the ultimate Soul Rolls and Red Beans and Rice.
Black eyed peas are a hearty side dish that are perfect for any occasion. But they are especially important on New Years Day. As Southern superstition has it, eating black eyed peas on New Years Day will bring you good luck and prosperity throughout the year.
If have this simmering on your stove in a large pot, in your instant pot, or in your slow cooker, you are lucky no matter the day! Smoky, with bold savory flavor, black eyed peas will complement whatever food you serve them with.
Black eyed peas are a staple in Southern cooking. They are traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day for good luck in the coming year. I love making a big pot of black eyed peas simmered with smoked turkey The smoky flavor really enhances the peas and makes them irresistibly delicious.
In this article, I’ll walk you through my easy step-by-step method for making the best black eyed peas with smoked turkey. I’ve made this recipe countless times over the years so I’ve perfected the technique. Trust me when I say these peas will burst with rich, savory flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound dried black eyed peas
- 1 smoked turkey leg or wing (about 1-1.5 pounds)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Chicken broth or stock
- Water
- Olive oil or neutral cooking oil
- Seasonings: smoked paprika, cayenne, thyme, bay leaves, etc.
Why Smoked Turkey?
The smoked turkey gives incredible flavor to the peas as they simmer together in the pot You can use a turkey leg wing or even a smoked turkey neck The smokiness infuses into the peas and broth creating the most insanely delicious pot liquor,
While turkey is traditional, you could also use ham hocks, bacon, or salt pork if you want. I prefer turkey because it’s lower in fat but still packs a ton of flavor.
Soaking the Peas
Before cooking the peas, it’s important to soak them overnight or for at least 6-8 hours. This softens the peas and reduces the cook time.
After soaking, rinse the peas well and pick through them to remove any dirt or debris. Discard any peas that look discolored or shriveled.
If you forget to soak them, you can do a quick boil method. Just boil the peas for 2 minutes in hot water and then let them sit for 1 hour before cooking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Sear the smoked turkey – Add a bit of oil to a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey on all sides until nicely browned. This adds even more flavor.
Sauté the aromatics – Add the diced onion and let cook for 2-3 minutes until starting to soften. Then add the garlic and sauté another 1-2 minutes.
Simmer the peas – Add the soaked peas, chicken broth, water, and seasonings to the pot. I like using 4 cups broth and 4 cups water but you can adjust amounts to your liking. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
Flavor to taste – After about an hour, start tasting the peas and broth. Add more smoked paprika, salt, pepper or other seasonings to taste.
Cook until tender – Simmer for 1.5 – 3 hours until peas reach desired tenderness. Stir occasionally and add more liquid as needed.
Finish and serve – When peas are tender, stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce. Discard bay leaves. Serve peas warm ladled into bowls with a slotted spoon so the delicious broth isn’t left behind!
Tips for Making the Best Black Eyed Peas
- Use fully cooked smoked turkey so it quickly infuses flavor as it simmers.
- Go light on the salt until the end since the turkey and broth contain sodium.
- For a heartier dish, add chopped greens like collards or mustard greens.
- Cook low and slow for maximum flavor absorption. Don’t rush the process!
- Add more water/broth if the peas start to look dry before they reach desired tenderness.
- The simmering broth or “pot likker” is full of flavor. Ladle it over cornbread or enjoy as a soup.
Flavor Variations to Try
There are so many ways to customize the flavors in this recipe:
- Use a Creole seasoning blend instead of individual spices.
- Add a diced jalapeño for a kick of heat.
- Stir in chopped okra the last 30 minutes for added texture.
- Swap the onion for chopped green bell pepper.
- Throw in a few chopped Roma tomatoes for brightness.
- Use smoked paprika, cumin and coriander for a Spanish flair.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions
The best part about beans is that they store and freeze so well. Here are some tips:
- Let the peas fully cool before freezing. Transfer to bags or containers removing as much air as possible.
- Portion into meal-sized amounts so it’s easy to defrost only what you need.
- Add a bit of the broth to each bag or container to keep peas moist.
- Freeze for up to 6 months for best quality and taste.
- Defrost peas in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions for Black Eyed Peas
A pot of black eyed peas makes the perfect hearty, budget-friendly meal. Here are some tasty ways to serve them:
- With cornbread, collard greens, and hot sauce for a traditional Southern New Year’s meal.
- Over rice with slices of Andouille sausage and hot pepper vinegar.
- Mixed into shrimp or chicken jambalaya.
- With brown rice and sautéed bell peppers for a one-pot meal.
- Scooped on top of greens for a protein and fiber packed salad.
- Served with oven roasted chicken legs and a side of mac & cheese.
- As the protein on a grain bowl with brown rice, roasted veggies, avocado and salsa.
Quick Weeknight Version
If you’re short on time, here’s a fast version using canned black eyed peas to make this classic dish in about 30 minutes:
- Sauté onion, garlic, celery and green pepper in olive oil.
- Add 2 cans black eyed peas (drained and rinsed), smoked turkey, chicken broth, seasonings and simmer 15 minutes.
- Shred turkey and stir back into peas.
- Serve over rice with hot sauce and green onion garnish.
Making delicious soul food black eyed peas with smoked turkey is easy with this step-by-step guide. The smoky, savory flavor takes this Southern staple to the next level. Adjust the spices to suit your tastes and use the leftover pot likker to flavor sauces, soups and more. Enjoy this lucky New Year’s tradition all winter long!
Why are black eye peas considered good luck?
In the southern states enslaved people often times only had field peas left to eat. So they considered it “good luck” to have anything to eat.
Now we eat them for New years for our own form of good luck along with collard greens or cabbage for prosperity and wealth.
Instructions to Make Black Eyed Peas:
Start by cooking the smoked turkey leg. You can add it to the crock pot and let it simmer until it is super tender. If you plan on leaving the food in the slow cooker, cook the turkey leg in a pot on the stove top for 1 hour.
Once the turkey meat is tender, remove it from the water and place it in a large bowl to let it cool down and then you can remove it from the bone. Now add the dried peas or the frozen peas directly into the instant pot or crockpot that the turkey cooked in.
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, worcestershire sauce, and all of the seasonings including the chicken bouillon, seasoned salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and bay leaves. Then put the lid on the crockpot and cook it for an additional 2 hours. Be sure to stir and check it for water every 45 minutes to an hour.
While the peas are cooking, remove the meat off of the bone of the smoked turkey leg and add the smoked meat to the slow cooker with the black eye peas. Stir until everything is combined.
Place the smoked turkey leg into a heavy bottom stock pot and cover it with the chicken broth. Place the lid on it and bring to a simmer over medium heat for at least one hour. After the hour, remove the turkey leg from the pot and place it in a bowl so that it can cool down.
Now gently pour your sorted dried, or frozen beans, directly into the slow cooker that the turkey leg cooked in. Pour in the 4 cups of water.
Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, worcestershire sauce, and all of the seasonings including the chicken bouillon, seasoned salt, garlic powder, black pepper, onion powder, and bay leaves. Stir until fully combined.
Put the lid back on the pot and cook it for an additional 3 hours. BE SURE TO CHECK THE POT EVERY 30 MINUTES. Then stir it up to ensure the peas are not sticking to the bottom of the pot. Add water one cup at a time if the black eyed peas are too thick.
While the peas are cooking, remove the meat off of the bone of the smoked turkey leg and add the smoked meat to the slow cooker with the black eye peas. Stir it until everything is combined.
- Meat:There are several different alternatives to smoked turkey. Instead of turkey, they can be simmered with diced leftover ham, ham hock, cooked and crumbled bacon, salt pork, or smoked sausage.
- Vegetarian: For a meatless black eyed peas recipe, omit the smoked turkey, chicken stock, chicken bouillon, and Worcestershire sauce. Replace them with vegetable broth, collard greens, and liquid smoke for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spicy: Kick up the heat by adding jalapenos, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Hoppin John: This variation is also known as Carolina peas and rice. It is black eyed peas and white rice.
- To thicken up the beans, use a wooden spoon or spatula to gently smash them against the side of the slow cooker while stirring. You can also mix 1 teaspoon of water with cornstarch and mix it into the pot.
- Sort through dried black eyed peas and ensure there are no twigs or debris and rinse before cooking.
- Use dried black eyed peas to get the greatest outcome. These type of field peas tend to get more tender when they are cooked low and slow.
Once cooled, store leftover black eyed peas in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for up to 5 days but it surprisingly freezes well. When properly stored, black eye peas can be frozen for up to 6 months.
To thaw from frozen, place in the fridge overnight. Reheat them over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes or in a microwave in 1 minute intervals.
Make a side of cornbread to go with these creamy beans. It is so delicious to crumble up your cornbread right into the black eye peas.
You can also serve them over a bed of white rice. With the addition of the turkey or ham hock, you have yourself a complete meal!
Blackeye Peas Recipe. Southern Style Blackeye Peas with Smoked Turkey! Oldschool! No Crockpot!
How do you make Black Eyed Peas with smoked turkey?
Delicious Southern Black Eyed Peas made with smoked turkey is savory and simple. Served over a bed of rice, perfection! Let the beans soak overnight, or do a quick soak ( directions should be on the back of the package of beans). Place the turkey tails into a large pot, and pour in 32 ounces of chicken broth.
Are Black-Eyed Peas bad for kidneys?
Individuals with at least one healthy kidney can include black-eyed peas in their diet. Black-eyed peas are fiber and protein rich legumes that are packed with nutrients that are health promoting. When consumed regularly, legumes like black-eyed peas have been associated with a lower risk of several chronic diseases. This risk reduction may be related to improved gut bacteria and a reduction in chronic inflammation. Paying attention to how black-eyed peas are prepared is important. Consider the other protein or sodium containing foods they are prepared with. Sodium is hard on kidneys and can raise blood pressure in some individuals, while high protein diets can stress the kidneys. A diet lower in protein should be considered for those not on dialysis but have kidney disease. Several studies demonstrate that diets rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, legumes, whole grains, but low in saturated fats, sodium, and refined sugars, are beneficial for people with chronic kidney disease. It is important to consult with a kidney specialist for guidance and monitoring to avoid nutritional errors which can negatively impact kidney function.
Can you eat black eyed peas with smoked turkey?
These southern style black eyed peas with smoked turkey are sure to satisfy. They make the perfect addition to your New Year’s Day celebration spread, but can be enjoyed year round whenever you need a dish that’s hearty and satisfying (think Sunday dinner). I know you’re going to love this easy, delicious, and inexpensive recipe. Try it out today!
How do you cook Black Eyed Peas?
Sauté onion, garlic, celery and green pepper in olive oil. Add 2 cans black eyed peas (drained and rinsed), smoked turkey, chicken broth, seasonings and simmer 15 minutes. Shred turkey and stir back into peas. Serve over rice with hot sauce and green onion garnish. Decide how you like your beans. Do you like them firm, soft, or mushy?
Are Black Eyed Peas good for cooking?
So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! Picture this: A bubbling pot filled with velvety, cream-like Black Eyed Peas that have absorbed the essence of smoked turkey and a medley of fresh veggies. The aroma that fills your kitchen is nothing short of heavenly, promising a soul-satisfying meal.
Can you make Black Eyed Peas vegetarian?
For an extra kick, serve with your favorite hot sauce. To make it vegetarian, omit the smoked turkey and use vegetable broth. You can add other seasonings like thyme or paprika to suit your taste. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of vinegar or a pinch of brown sugar. Southern Style Black Eyed Peas are incredibly versatile.