1. Do I have to soak black-eyed peas before cooking?

Not necessarily. You can cook dried black-eyed peas without soaking, but soaking them for a few hours or overnight shortens the cooking time and helps them cook more evenly. If you’re short on time, a quick one-hour soak works perfectly.

2. How do I make black-eyed peas taste richer?

Layering flavor is key. Start by browning bacon or sausage to create a smoky base, then sauté your aromatics onion, garlic, celery, and thyme in the rendered fat. Use chicken broth instead of water and season with Creole spice, bay leaf, and a dash of cayenne for depth.

3. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Absolutely. In a slow cooker , combine everything except the greens and cook on LOW for 8–9 hours or HIGH for 5–6 hours. In an Instant Pot , cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes , then naturally release pressure for 10 minutes before adding the greens. Both methods deliver tender, flavorful peas with minimal effort.

4. Why are black-eyed peas eaten on New Year’s Day?

This tradition traces back to the American South, where black-eyed peas symbolize coins (prosperity), collard greens represent paper money, and cornbread stands for gold. Eating them together on New Year’s Day is believed to bring luck and abundance in the year ahead.

5. What are the best sides to serve with black-eyed peas?

For a full Southern feast, pair them with: Cornbread for soaking up the broth Collard greens or mustard greens for balance White rice or brown rice for a classic “Hoppin’ John” meal Or try something creative like Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta for a sweet-and-savory contrast.

Black Eyed Peas Recipe – Southern Comfort Food Classic

Name: Black Eyed Peas Recipe – Southern-Style Comfort in a Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489785H41M21S
Total time: PT-489785H41M21S
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 1 lb dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted; 4 slices bacon, chopped; 8 oz smoked sausage or ham hock; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 jalapeño, minced (optional); 1 tsp thyme leaves; 1 bay leaf; 1 tbsp Creole seasoning; 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 2 cups chopped collard greens or kale; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil (for vegan version)

Black Eyed Peas Recipe – Southern-Style Comfort in a Bowl

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This smoky and comforting Southern black eyed peas recipe is packed with flavor from bacon, sausage, and collard greens. A traditional New Year’s Day dish — or anytime comfort food.

Author: Emily Parker
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hr
Total Time: 1 hr 15 mins
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southern American

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted

4 slices bacon, chopped

8 oz smoked sausage or ham hock

1 medium onion, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 jalapeño, minced (optional)

1 tsp thyme leaves

1 bay leaf

1 tbsp Creole seasoning

6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

2 cups chopped collard greens or kale

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 tbsp olive oil (for vegan version)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the black-eyed peas. Soak overnight or use the quick boil method for 1 hour.

2. In a large pot, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Add smoked sausage or ham hock and brown lightly.

3. Add onion, celery, garlic, jalapeño, thyme, and bay leaf. Sauté until fragrant.

4. Pour in chicken broth, add soaked peas, Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper.

5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer uncovered for 45–55 minutes until beans are tender.

6. Add collard greens and reserved bacon and sausage. Simmer another 10–15 minutes until flavors meld.

7. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving over rice or with cornbread.

Notes

Use smoked turkey for a lighter, leaner version.

For vegan, replace bacon with olive oil and use vegetable broth.

Mash a few beans at the end for a thicker, creamier texture.

Leftovers keep 4 days in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 280
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 820mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 28mg

Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/black-eyed-peas-recipe/