Sides
Black-Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey and Bay Leaf
Creamy black-eyed peas simmer with smoked turkey, onion, and bay leaf into a soul-warming pot perfect for New Year's or any Sunday supper.
Every New Year's Day, a pot of black-eyed peas simmers on my stove for good luck and good eating alike. This version uses smoked turkey for depth without heaviness, and the peas turn out creamy enough to practically make their own gravy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained
- 1 smoked turkey wing
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
1
Sauté the vegetablesHeat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more.
-
2
Add turkey and peasNestle in the smoked turkey wing and drained black-eyed peas, then pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaves and red pepper flakes.
-
3
Bring to a simmerBring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover partially, and simmer gently.
-
4
Cook until tenderSimmer for 1 to 1 1/4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are creamy and tender but still holding their shape.
-
5
Shred the turkeyRemove the turkey wing, pull the meat from the bone, discard skin and bones, and stir the meat back into the pot.
-
6
Season and restDiscard the bay leaves, season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the pot rest for 10 minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Okra & Oak Tip
Mash a small spoonful of the cooked peas against the side of the pot to naturally thicken the broth into a light gravy.
Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months; the peas thicken further as they cool, so thin with a little broth when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soaking shortens the cooking time and helps the peas cook more evenly, though a quick 1-hour hot soak works in a pinch if you're short on time.
They're a Southern tradition believed to bring good luck and prosperity in the year ahead, often served alongside greens for wealth and cornbread for gold.
Nutrition
Per serving. Values are estimates.
220
Calories
16g
Protein
30g
Carbs
4g
Fat
