Mississippi New Years Black Eyed Peas Recipes

SOUTHERN-STYLE BLACK-EYED PEAS

Steps:

• In a tall stockpot cook the bacon until done but not crisp; add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the rendered bacon fat and cook just until tender. Add the garlic and cook another minute or so.
• Add ham and cook until lightly browned.
• Add black-eyed peas, cook and stir for 2 minutes, then begin to add the stock or water slowly, stirring in a little at a time; bring to a boil.
• Add pork hocks, jalapenos, salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning and bay leaves.
• Reduce to a medium simmer and partially cover, cooking for about 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until peas are tender and creamy.
• Add additional chicken stock or water only if necessary to slightly thin out.
• Remove pork hocks and pull any meat off the bone; return to peas. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Serve over hot cooked rice. Add a side of some Southern Skillet Cornbread. If serving for New Years, don't forget to eat your cabbage or greens too!

NEW YEAR BLACK EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Place the black-eyed peas into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let stand 8 hours to overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
• In a large stock pot over medium heat, cook and stir onion and garlic in olive oil until onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and 8 cups water, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in soaked black-eyed peas, ham hocks, tomatoes, pepperoncini, bay leaf, garlic powder, thyme, and salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until peas are tender, ham meat is falling off the bones, and the broth is thickened, about 3 hours.

STEWED BLACK-EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Put the peas in a large bowl, add water to cover by 2 inches, and soak overnight.
• Blacken the onion: If you have a gas stove, turn one burner on high and place the onion halves directly on the grates next to the flame and cook, turning occasionally, until the onion is charred on all sides, about 5 minutes. Otherwise, heat the broiler and broil the onion on a baking sheet a few inches from the heat, turning occasionally, until charred, 1 to 2 minutes. Set aside to cool.
• When the onion is cool enough to handle, poke 2 cloves into each half, and add the onion to a large stockpot. Drain the peas, discarding the liquid, and then transfer the peas to the pot.
• Place the garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves and chile on a 12-inch square of cheesecloth and wrap tightly, using twine to seal the packet.
• Add 6 quarts water and the spice packet to the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Skim any foam that collects on the surface, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in the olive oil and 1 tablespoon salt and cook, stirring and skimming occasionally, until the peas are fully cooked and the cooking liquid has thickened, 1 to 2 hours.
• Discard the spice packet, season with the remaining 1 tablespoon salt (or to taste) and the hot sauce and serve.

NEW YEAR'S DAY BLACK-EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Place black-eyed peas in 8 quart pot. Add enough water to fill pot 3/4 full. Stir in ham and diced onions, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place tomatoes in a blender or food processor, and blend until the tomatoes are liquefied. Add tomatoes to pot. Bring all ingredients to boil. Cover the pot, and simmer on low heat for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the peas are tender.