Soulful Southern Black-Eyed Peas Stew
Kickstart your New Year's Day with this Soulful Southern Black-Eyed Peas Stew, a dish steeped in tradition and flavor. Celebrated as a winner in a state newspaper recipe contest, this vibrant stew combines tender black-eyed peas with smoky ham and aromatic spices, ensuring a hearty meal that promises good luck for the coming year. Each spoonful offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, from the warmth of sautéed onions and garlic to the rich smokiness of sausage and ham hocks. This dish is perfect over fluffy rice, making it a satisfying comfort food that everyone will love. Whether you're a fan of black-eyed peas or not, this recipe creates a savory experience that is simply irresistible, perfect for sharing with family and friends on a chilly New Year’s Day.
15-30
Servings
76
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
onion
1 (medium, chopped)
vegetable oil
1 (teaspoon)
black-eyed peas
2 (lbs)
garlic cloves
10 (large, peeled)
smoked ham hocks
2 (lbs (or 3 large))
bay leaves
2
fresh parsley
1/4 (cup, chopped)
cayenne pepper
1 (tablespoon (or to taste))
Tabasco sauce
1 (tablespoon (or to taste))
fresh ground black pepper
2 (tablespoons)
smoked sausage
1.5 (lbs)
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
In a large 3-quart pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and aromatic. Set aside.
2
Carefully sort through the black-eyed peas to remove any stones or debris. Rinse thoroughly under cold water and then transfer them into the pot with the cooked onions.
3
Add half of the peeled garlic cloves, the smoked ham hocks, bay leaves, chopped parsley, cayenne pepper, Tabasco sauce, and black pepper to the pot.
4
Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients, then increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and maintain a simmer, adding hot water as needed to keep the peas covered.
5
After approximately 1.5 hours of simmering, remove the ham hocks and set them aside to cool. Stir in the sliced smoked sausage and the remaining garlic. (The garlic will break down during cooking, adding flavor without leaving chunks.)
6
Once the ham hocks are cool enough to handle, discard the skin and bones, shredding the meat into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the pot. Add the large bones back into the stew for added flavor.
7
Continue to cook on low for an additional hour, stirring occasionally and monitoring the water level to ensure the peas remain submerged. The final texture should be thick and creamy - if desired, smash some peas against the side of the pot to achieve a smoother consistency.
8
Carefully season with salt to taste, and before serving, remove the bay leaves and any remaining bones. Serve hot with a splash of vinegar (preferably malt) for a lovely tangy note, and pair with steamed white rice for a comforting and complete meal.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
6g
Carbs
6g
Protein
3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Soulful Southern Black-Eyed Peas Stew?
It is a traditional Southern dish featuring tender black-eyed peas, smoky ham hocks, and smoked sausage, often served for good luck on New Year's Day.
When is this dish typically served?
This stew is a staple for New Year's Day celebrations to bring good luck for the coming year.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is quite hearty and makes between 15 and 30 servings.
What are the primary proteins in this stew?
The main proteins are 2 lbs of smoked ham hocks and 1.5 lbs of smoked sausage, along with the black-eyed peas.
How should I prepare the black-eyed peas before cooking?
You should sort through the peas to remove any stones or debris, then rinse them thoroughly under cold water.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 large peeled garlic cloves, which are added in two different stages.
Why is garlic added at two different times?
Half is added early for deep flavor, and the remaining half is added later so it breaks down and adds richness without leaving large chunks.
How long do the ham hocks need to simmer?
The ham hocks should simmer with the peas for approximately 1.5 hours before being removed to shred the meat.
What should I do with the ham hock bones?
After shredding the meat, you can return the large bones to the pot for the final hour of cooking to add more flavor.
How do I make the stew texture thick and creamy?
You can achieve a creamier consistency by smashing some of the peas against the side of the pot during the final cooking stage.
What is the total simmering time for this stew?
The total simmering time is about 2.5 hours: 1.5 hours initially and another hour after adding the sausage and shredded ham.
What is the recommended serving suggestion for this stew?
It is best served hot over steamed white rice with a splash of malt vinegar.
Is this Southern black-eyed peas recipe spicy?
It has a savory kick from 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon of Tabasco sauce, and 2 tablespoons of black pepper.
What type of oil is used to sauté the onions?
The recipe uses one teaspoon of vegetable oil to sauté the onions until they are translucent.
How many calories are in a serving of this stew?
Each serving contains approximately 76 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is in one serving?
Each serving provides about 6 grams of protein.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
Yes, there are 3 grams of dietary fiber per serving.
What size pot is required for this recipe?
A large 3-quart pot is recommended for cooking this stew.
When should I add the salt?
Salt should be added carefully to taste at the very end of the cooking process.
What kind of vinegar goes well with this dish?
Malt vinegar is the preferred choice for adding a tangy note before serving.
Do I need to keep the peas covered with water while simmering?
Yes, you should add hot water as needed throughout the cooking process to keep the peas submerged.
What fresh herbs are included in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Should I remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, ensure you remove the bay leaves and any remaining bones before serving the stew.
Can I adjust the heat level of the stew?
Yes, the cayenne pepper and Tabasco sauce amounts can be adjusted to your personal taste preference.
What type of sausage is used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of sliced smoked sausage.
Is this dish considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying comfort food perfect for sharing with family and friends on chilly days.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 6 grams of carbohydrates.
What are the main aromatic vegetables used?
The primary aromatics used are one medium chopped onion and ten large garlic cloves.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This specific recipe was a winner in a state newspaper recipe contest.