Southern-Style Black-Eyed Peas (Print Version)

Tender black-eyed peas simmered with smoky sausage, vegetables, and Creole spices for authentic Southern comfort.

# Ingredients List:

→ Meats

01 - 8 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced
02 - 4 oz thick-cut bacon, diced

→ Legumes

03 - 1 lb dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 large onion, diced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 2 celery stalks, diced
07 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Liquids

08 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 cup water

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 2 bay leaves
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
14 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
15 - 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Finishing

16 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
17 - Hot sauce for serving

# Directions:

01 - Place dried black-eyed peas in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking. Alternatively, cover peas with boiling water, let stand 1 hour, then drain and rinse.
02 - In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
03 - Add sliced sausage to the pot and sauté until browned. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
04 - In the same pot, add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are softened, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.
05 - Stir in soaked black-eyed peas, chicken broth, water, bay leaves, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, ground black pepper, and kosher salt.
06 - Return cooked bacon and sausage to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until peas are tender and broth is flavorful.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove bay leaves and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
08 - Serve hot with hot sauce on the side. Traditionally enjoyed over steamed rice or with cornbread.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Rich and smoky flavor profile from the combination of bacon and Andouille sausage.
  • A one-pot meal that is straightforward to prepare and naturally gluten-free.
  • Packed with protein and fiber, making it as nutritious as it is satisfying.
02 -
  • Don't skip browning the sausage; the caramelization (fond) on the bottom of the pot adds immense flavor to the broth.
  • Always double-check sausage and broth labels to ensure they are certified gluten-free if dietary restrictions are a concern.
  • Wait to do a final salt seasoning until the end, as the bacon and sausage will release salt into the pot as they simmer.
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