The Coziest Black-Eyed Peas with Smoky Ham Recipe Ever

Savory black-eyed peas simmered with smoky ham create a comforting Southern classic that warms you from the inside out.

Generations of cooks have perfected this humble dish in kitchens across the southern United States.

Tender legumes absorb rich, meaty flavors during a long, slow cooking process.

Chunks of salty ham infuse every bite with deep, smoky undertones that make this recipe irresistible.

Nutritious and filling, these beans offer a perfect balance of protein and earthy goodness.

Fragrant herbs and subtle spices enhance the natural richness of the ingredients.

You won’t be able to resist serving this soul-satisfying meal that connects generations through its incredible taste.

Why Hearty Slow-Cooked Black-Eyed Peas With Smoky Ham Are Comfort In A Bowl

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Infuse rich, smoky ham and spicy seasonings create a multilayered taste experience that transforms simple black-eyed peas into a gourmet dish.
• Minimal Prep Magic: Dump ingredients directly into the slow cooker without pre-soaking beans, making this recipe incredibly straightforward for busy home cooks.
• Comfort Food Champion: Delivers warm, hearty southern-style comfort perfect for family dinners or potluck gatherings with its satisfying protein and robust flavors.
• One-Pot Wonder: Streamlines cooking process by requiring minimal cleanup and allowing hands-off preparation while delivering maximum deliciousness.

Everything That Goes In Hearty Slow-Cooked Black-Eyed Peas With Smoky Ham

• Black-Eyed Peas: Classic Southern legume that provides a hearty base for this comforting dish.
• Ham Hock: Adds rich, smoky flavor and tender meat to the beans.
• Chicken Broth: Provides a flavorful liquid base that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Create a foundational flavor profile that adds depth to the black-eyed peas.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Cumin, Cayenne: Spices that build layers of warmth and complexity in the recipe.
• Bay Leaf: Contributes a subtle herbal note that rounds out the dish's flavor.

• Hot Sauce: Adds an extra kick of heat for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
• Water: Helps achieve the perfect cooking consistency for the beans.

How To Cook Hearty Slow-Cooked Black-Eyed Peas With Smoky Ham

Step 1: Prep the Peas

Rinse the black-eyed peas under cool running water, making sure to remove any debris or small stones. Give them a good shake to drain excess water.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

• Rinsed black-eyed peas
• Chicken broth
• Water
• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Cumin
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper
• Hot sauce (optional)

Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 3: Add the Smoky Magic

Gently nestle the ham hock into the bean mixture and toss in a bay leaf for extra depth of flavor.

The ham will infuse the entire dish with rich, smoky goodness.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the beans are super tender and practically melting.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

Using tongs, carefully remove the ham hock from the slow cooker. Shred the meat, pulling it away from the bone.

Discard the bone and return the shredded meat to the beans. Fish out the bay leaf before serving.

Step 6: Final Touch

Give the beans a gentle stir to distribute the shredded ham evenly. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, hearty flavors of this classic Southern-style dish.

Easy Cooking Tips For Hearty Slow-Cooked Black-Eyed Peas With Smoky Ham

• Quickly rinse peas to remove any debris, ensuring a clean base for your dish without pre-soaking for added convenience.
• Add extra depth by experimenting with different types of ham or smoked turkey for varied flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Control spice levels by adjusting cayenne and hot sauce, allowing personalization for heat-sensitive taste buds.
• Enhance protein content by stirring in additional shredded meat or plant-based alternatives like tempeh for vegetarian options.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, as flavors develop and improve with time in the refrigerator.

Recipe Twists For Hearty Slow-Cooked Black-Eyed Peas With Smoky Ham

• Vegetarian Zest: Replace ham hock with smoked paprika and add diced bell peppers for a plant-based protein version that keeps the smoky flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Incorporate chopped jalapeños, green chiles, and swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a more intense, regional-inspired preparation.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh rosemary, thyme, and replace ham with crumbled feta cheese to give the dish a Mediterranean coastal feel.
• Bacon Lover's Edition: Substitute ham hock with crispy bacon pieces and add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy, rich alternative that enhances the traditional recipe.

What Goes Well With Hearty Slow-Cooked Black-Eyed Peas With Smoky Ham

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty sauvignon blanc to cut through the rich, smoky ham flavors and complement the earthy black-eyed peas.
• Serve with Cornbread Sidekick: Bake a golden, slightly sweet cornbread to absorb the delicious broth and provide a perfect textural contrast to the tender beans.
• Match with Southern Slaw: Prepare a tangy, crunchy coleslaw with vinegar-based dressing to brighten the hearty dish and add refreshing acidity.
• Complement with Bourbon Cocktail: Mix a classic old fashioned with smooth bourbon to echo the deep, smoky undertones of the ham and enhance the meal's rustic charm.

How To Store Hearty Slow-Cooked Black-Eyed Peas With Smoky Ham Properly

• Refrigerator Storage: Transfer cooled black-eyed peas to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Freezer Preservation: Pack the dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining flavor and texture.
• Microwave Reheating: Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Warming: Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding small amounts of broth to maintain moisture. Stir gently to prevent breaking down the peas.

Your Questions On Hearty Slow-Cooked Black-Eyed Peas With Smoky Ham

• Are black-eyed peas healthy?

Black-eyed peas are packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like folate, iron, and potassium, making them a nutritious and heart-healthy food choice.

• Can I use a different type of meat instead of ham hock?

Yes, you can substitute ham hock with smoked turkey, bacon, or even ham chunks to add similar smoky flavor and protein to the dish.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

This slow-cooker black-eyed peas recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the ham hock with smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or vegetable broth to maintain a rich, smoky flavor without using meat.

Hearty Slow-Cooked Black-Eyed Peas with Smoky Ham Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes – 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Slow-simmered southern black-eyed peas with smoky ham create a comforting soul food classic that warms hearts and satisfies hunger. Rich layers of flavor merge tender legumes with savory meat, delivering a delicious meal perfect for gathering friends and family around the table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) dry black-eyed peas, rinsed
• 1/2 pound (227 grams) ham hock
• 4 cups (946 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) water

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 grams) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 grams) ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) hot sauce
• 1 bay leaf

Cooking Agents:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) cooking oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Meticulously cleanse black-eyed peas under cold running water, ensuring no debris remains.
2. Transfer peas into slow cooker, combining with aromatic chicken broth, water, finely diced onion, minced garlic, and distinctive spices including cumin, black pepper, and cayenne.
3. Gently submerge ham hock into liquid mixture, allowing it to settle at the bottom of the cooker.
4. Tuck bay leaf alongside ham hock to infuse subtle herbal undertones.
5. Secure lid and set slow cooker to HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours, maintaining consistent temperature until peas reach optimal tenderness.
6. Carefully extract ham hock using sturdy tongs, separating succulent meat from bone with two forks.
7. Reintegrate shredded meat back into pea mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute evenly.
8. Discard bay leaf and eliminate any remaining bone fragments.
9. Serve immediately while warm, allowing robust flavors to showcase their depth and complexity.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne and hot sauce to match your spice tolerance, creating a personalized flavor profile.
• Choose low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt for heart-healthy diets, maintaining rich taste without excess sodium.
• Consider replacing ham hock with smoked turkey leg or vegetarian ham alternative for dietary restrictions, preserving the smoky depth of flavor.
• Freeze leftover peas in portion-sized containers for quick, nutritious meals, ensuring convenient meal prep for busy weeks ahead.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-8 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 25mg