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
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
Instructions
- Meticulously cleanse black-eyed peas under cold running water, ensuring no debris remains.
- 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.
- Gently submerge ham hock into liquid mixture, allowing it to settle at the bottom of the cooker.
- Tuck bay leaf alongside ham hock to infuse subtle herbal undertones.
- 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.
- Carefully extract ham hock using sturdy tongs, separating succulent meat from bone with two forks.
- Reintegrate shredded meat back into pea mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute evenly.
- Discard bay leaf and eliminate any remaining bone fragments.
- 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