Southern Black-Eyed Peas and Rice Delight
A cherished Southern tradition, this hearty dish combines tender black-eyed peas, smoky sausage, and savory ham hock, simmered to perfection in rich chicken stock. Often enjoyed on New Year's Eve to invite good luck for the year ahead, this beloved one-pot meal is not just a superstition—it's bursting with flavor! Served over a bed of fluffy white rice and garnished with fresh green onions, this delightful dish is sure to bring warmth and happiness to your table all year round.
12
Servings
208
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
Ham hock
1 large (for flavor)
Smoked sausage
1 lb (sliced)
Onion
1 cup (chopped)
Celery
1/2 cup (chopped)
Red pepper
1/2 cup (chopped)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Black-eyed peas
1 lb (soaked overnight and rinsed)
Chicken stock
1 quart (for cooking)
Bay leaf
1 (for flavor)
Dry thyme leaves
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Green onions
3 tablespoons (finely chopped for garnish)
White rice
3 cups (steamed)
Instructions
1
In a large soup pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
2
Add the ham hock and sear it on all sides until it develops a nice brown color, about 4 minutes.
3
Stir in the chopped onion, celery, red pepper, and garlic, cooking them together for another 4 minutes until they soften.
4
Add the soaked and rinsed black-eyed peas, chicken stock, bay leaf, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the black-eyed peas are creamy and tender. Stir occasionally, and add additional water or stock if the mixture becomes too thick.
6
Once the peas are tender, gently fold in the cooked white rice and adjust seasonings to taste.
7
Serve hot, garnished with finely chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
23g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Southern Black-Eyed Peas and Rice Delight?
It is a cherished Southern tradition that combines black-eyed peas, smoky sausage, and savory ham hock simmered in rich chicken stock.
When is this dish traditionally served?
It is often enjoyed on New Year's Eve to invite good luck for the year ahead.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 12 servings.
What are the primary proteins in this dish?
The main proteins are ham hock and 1 lb of sliced smoked sausage.
How should the black-eyed peas be prepared before cooking?
The black-eyed peas should be soaked overnight and rinsed before being added to the pot.
How long do the black-eyed peas need to simmer?
They should simmer for about 40 minutes or until they are creamy and tender.
What kind of stock is used for the base?
The recipe uses 1 quart of chicken stock for cooking.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains 208 calories.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is considered a beloved one-pot meal.
What vegetables are included in the base?
The base includes chopped onion, celery, red pepper, and garlic.
How is the ham hock prepared at the start of the recipe?
It is seared on all sides in oil for about 4 minutes until it develops a brown color.
What seasonings are used for flavor?
The dish is seasoned with a bay leaf, dry thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper.
When is the rice added to the dish?
The cooked white rice is gently folded in once the peas are tender.
What is the recommended garnish?
The dish is garnished with 3 tablespoons of finely chopped green onions.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 8g of fat per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 10g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 23g of carbohydrates per serving.
What should I do if the mixture becomes too thick during simmering?
You can add additional water or stock if the mixture becomes too thick.
What type of rice is specified in the ingredients?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of steamed white rice.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic.
What is the amount of onion used?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chopped onion.
How much celery and red pepper are used?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped celery and 1/2 cup of chopped red pepper.
What heat level is used for simmering?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low for simmering.
What category of meal is this?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food.
Is this dish related to Cajun cuisine?
Yes, it is tagged as Cajun cuisine.
How much oil is used for cooking?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of oil.
What amount of black-eyed peas is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of black-eyed peas.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 1 teaspoon of each and then adjusting to taste.
What is another name for this type of dish?
It is often referred to as Hoppin' John's.