Traditional Basic Black Eyed Peas Recipes

TRADITIONAL BLACK-EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Place either fresh or dried black-eyed peas in a colander, and rinse them under cool running water. Transfer to a medium stockpot. Cover with about 2 inches of water. Add the peppercorns, bay leaf, onion, jalapeno pepper, ham hock, parsley (including stems), and garlic. Cover, and bring just below the boiling point over medium-high heat. Uncover, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook just until the peas are tender when bitten, about 45 minutes for dried peas (though cooking time will vary with the age of dried peas). Do not stir the peas while they are cooking because they can break down too much. Add salt and pepper to taste during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• The peas will keep in their cooking liquid for about 3 hours at room temperature. Then they may be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Serve black-eyed peas hot, along with their cooking liquid, in individual bowls. If desired, the meat from the ham hock may be shredded and served with the peas, along with the garlic and jalapeno peppers from the pot. Serve with hot skillet cornbread.

SOUTHERN-STYLE BLACK-EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Soak black-eyed peas in a bowl of water for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
• Heat oil in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic in the hot oil until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add smoked ham hocks and water. Bring to a boil. Cover, lower heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 hour.
• Drain peas and add to the pot along with seasoned salt, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, red pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Cover, lower heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 hour. Uncover the pot and cook until beans are tender, about 30 minutes more. Remove bay leaves and ham hocks before serving.

SOUTHERN BLACK-EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Place peas in a Dutch oven; add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse peas, discarding liquid; set aside., In the same pan, saute onion in oil until tender. Add the pork belly, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, pepper flakes and pepper; cook 1 minute longer., Add the broth, ham hocks and peas; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 35-40 minutes or until peas are tender, stirring occasionally and adding more water if desired., Discard bay leaves. Remove ham hocks; cool slightly. Remove meat from bones if desired; finely chop and return to pan. Discard bones. If desired, top with additional fresh thyme.

TRADITIONAL BASIC BLACK EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Rinse peas and pick over for bad or discolored peas and small stones; transfer to a medium saucepan.
• Cover with water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to a simmer and continue cooking for 5 minutes; set aside.
• Put the meat in a large stock pot and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until fat is rendered.
• Add the onion, diced carrot, and garlic. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.
• Add peas and enough water to cover by 2 inches.
• Add pepper flakes, black pepper, thyme, and oregano.
• Bring to a boil; reduce heat to medium and simmer, covered, for about 1 hour.
• Uncover and cook for 30 to 45 minutes longer, or until peas are tender.
• Add more water as needed to keep them moist. When the peas are tender stir in the salt and Tabasco, if using.
• Serve with hot baked cornbread and a tossed salad.