Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe (Stovetop)

This Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe is made on the stovetop with dried beans, smoked meat, seasonings, and chicken stock. Creamy, flavorful, and a classic New Year's Day side dish the whole family is sure to enjoy.

Try making my slow cooker version of Black Eyed Peas with Pork Chops as well. Pair these creamy black eyed peas with some Fried Chicken, Collard Greens, and Cornbread for a full meal. 

Black eyed peas, while technically beans, are a staple in Southern New Year's tradition, symbolizing good luck and prosperity when eaten on the year's first day.

Beyond their cultural significance, they offer high protein and fiber content, making them a healthy choice year-round.

Let's get started!

Ingredients You'll Need 

1. Black Eyed Peas - For this particular recipe, I'll be using dried peas which need to be soaked before using. 
2. Olive Oil - Needed to saute the onion to soften it. Any other oil you prefer or have on hand can be used as a substitute. 
3. Butter - Adds buttery flavor to the sauteed onions and helps to form the base of the peas.
4. Onion - Any yellow onion or white onion works well to add a slightly earthly and aromatic flavor to the black eyes peas. Diced green bell pepper could be added as well. 
5. Salt - Helps to flavor the peas and prevents them from tasting flat and bland. Adjust as needed to your preference. 
6. Ground Black Pepper - Gives the peas a nice warm and peppery flavor. Try to use freshly ground black pepper. 
7. Garlic Powder - Adds a dry intense and pungent flavor to season the beans. Minced garlic cloves could be used as a substitute. 
8. Seasoned Salt - A seasoning blend that adds another layer of savory and salty flavor to the side dish recipe. 
9. Onion Powder - Seasons the peas with a dry onion flavor that is sharp and slightly sweet. 
10. Bay Leaf - Provides a mild herby flavor that adds another depth of flavor to the black eyed peas. 
11. Smoked Meat - Adds a bit of smoky and slightly salty flavor to the peas. There are many options, but I prefer using smoked turkey wings or ham hocks. 
12. Chicken Stock - Forms the flavorful broth of the peas and adds a rich and savory flavor. You may use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or vegetable stock as a substitute. Enough water to cover the peas could be used as well. 

See the recipe card below for exact ingredient quantities and instructions.

Preparing Dry Black Eyed Peas

• Remove the dry peas from the bag and go through and sort the peas, removing any debris, broken pieces, or rotten peas. 
• Give the black eyed peas a good rinse using cold water. 
• Cover the peas in a large container or large bowl with about 2 to 3 inches of water. 
• Allow the beans to soak overnight to reduce the cooking time. 
• If you're in a rush and don't have time to soak the beans overnight, use the quick soak method. Place the beans in a large pot and bring them to a boil. Turn off the heat, cover, and allow them to sit for about 1 hour before cooking. 

How to Make Black Eyed Peas 

Begin the recipe by grabbing a large pot or Dutch oven and placing it on the stovetop over medium heat. Add the olive oil, butter, and diced onion. Stir and cook until the onions have softened and become slightly translucent, about 5 to 10 minutes. 

Add the salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, seasoned salt, onion powder, and stir to combine. Add the smoked meat, today I'm using smoked turkey wings.

Top with the soaked black eyed peas, chicken stock, and bay leaves.

Allow the mixture to come to a boil, reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook the beans until tender, about 1 hour. Feel free to skim off any impurities that may rise to the surface while cooking. 

Give the peas a good stir, remove the bay leaves, and discard any bones from the meat. Serve warm over white rice and enjoy!

What to Serve with Black Eyed Peas

There are many options but I love pairing this recipe with some cornbread and rice. But you can also serve it alongside some Green Beans, Candied Yams, Southern Collard Greens, Mustard Greens, or some Bacon Mac and Cheese.

Best Recipe Tips and Tricks 

• Keep the beans at a gentle simmer to prevent them from splitting or becoming mushy. 
• Season generously with salt, ground black pepper, and spices like smoked paprika, bay leaves, or thyme. For more spice add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Finish the peas by stirring in a splash of apple cider vinegar, hot sauce, or a dollop of butter for another layer of flavor. 
• Allow the black-eyes peas to sit for about 10-15 minutes after cooking to let the flavors come together before serving. 

Best Meat for Black Eyed Peas

I prefer to use smoked turkey or smoked pork, but there are quite a few other smoky meats that will work just as well:

• Smoked Ham Hocks: Classic and traditional, adding a savory and smoky flavor for more southern-style black-eyed peas.
• Smoked Turkey Wings or Smoked Turkey Legs: Provides a lighter smoky flavor that's the perfect substitution for pork.
• Ham Bone: If you have a leftover ham bone stored away in the freezer, this is the perfect recipe to put it to good use. 
• Bacon: Provides a rich and salty element to the dish. Plus who doesn't love some delicious bacon flavor! Cook it first and use the drippings (bacon fat) to saute the onion for more flavor. 
• Pork Shoulder or Pork Butt: Adds tenderness and richness to the beans as it cooks.
• Andouille Sausage: Adds a spicy kick and Cajun twist to the dish.

Storage Tips 

Storage. If you have any leftover black-eyed peas, allow them to cool to room temperature. Then place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. 

Reheating. When you're ready to serve them again, heat them on the stovetop in a saucepan over medium heat until warm. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a quicker option. 

Freezing. This recipe can be stored in the freezer for 1 to 2 months. Transfer the cooked and cooled to room temperature peas into a freezer-safe container and place them into the freezer. When you're ready to serve them again, allow them to thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop in a saucepan over low heat until warm. 

Want More Recipes To Pair with These Delicious Black-Eyed Peas? Try These: 

• Sweet and Sour Cabbage
• Sweet Potato Casserole 
• Southern Cheese Grits 
• Easy Cornbread Dressing 
• Coca-Cola Glazed Ham
• Easy Hush Puppy Recipe
• Old Fashioned Yeast Rolls (Dinner Rolls)
• Southern Fried Cabbage Recipe

Have any comments, questions, or other delicious ideas and ways to enjoy these Southern Style Black Eyed Peas? Please share them in the comments below!

📖 Recipe