Southern Comfort Black-Eyed Peas with Smoky Ham Hock
Indulge in the rich flavors of the South with this delightful Southern Comfort Black-Eyed Peas dish. The smoky essence of tender ham hocks perfectly complements the earthy black-eyed peas, while the tanginess of pickled jalapeños adds an unexpected kick. Simmered to perfection, this dish is not only a festive delight to serve on New Year’s Day for good luck but also makes a heartwarming meal any day of the year. Pair it with traditional Southern Cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet for an extraordinary feast.
8
Servings
144
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen black-eyed peas
1 lb (rinsed)
Smoked ham hock
1 lb (2 hocks) (whole)
Chopped onion
1 cup (fresh)
Low sodium chicken broth
32 ounces (liquid)
Water
3 cups (liquid)
Garlic cloves
3 (chopped)
Pickled jalapeño chilies
3 tablespoons (chopped)
Salt
to taste (as needed)
Black pepper
to taste (as needed)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the frozen black-eyed peas under cold water and transferring them into a large Dutch oven.
2
Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and water, then add the chopped onions and smoked ham hocks.
3
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 1 hour.
4
After an hour, remove the lid, and stir in the chopped garlic and pickled jalapeños. Recover the pot and let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
5
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference.
6
Before serving, carefully remove the ham hocks from the pot. Optionally, you can shred and add the meat from the hocks back into the dish, though it is not essential.
7
Serve hot, preferably alongside Southern Cornbread, and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
16g
Carbs
11g
Protein
3.75g
Fiber
125mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The dish is Southern Comfort Black-Eyed Peas with Smoky Ham Hock, a traditional Southern meal.
What type of peas are used?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of frozen black-eyed peas, rinsed.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 144 calories.
Is there a specific occasion this dish is traditionally served?
It is often served on New Year’s Day for good luck.
What gives the dish its smoky flavor?
The smoky essence comes from adding 1 lb (2 hocks) of smoked ham hocks.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe specifies 32 ounces of low sodium chicken broth.
How long is the initial simmer?
The peas, onions, and ham hocks should simmer for 1 hour after reaching a boil.
When do I add the garlic and jalapeños?
Add the chopped garlic and pickled jalapeños after the initial 1-hour simmer.
How long is the total simmering time?
The total simmering time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It is best served hot alongside Southern Cornbread baked in a cast iron skillet.
Do I need to soak the peas?
No soaking is required since the recipe uses frozen black-eyed peas; just rinse them under cold water.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 11g of protein per serving.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a slight kick due to the inclusion of 3 tablespoons of chopped pickled jalapeño chilies.
What should I do with the ham hocks before serving?
Carefully remove the ham hocks from the pot; optionally, you can shred the meat and add it back in.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There is 2.5g of fat per serving.
What is the sodium content?
Each serving contains 125mg of sodium.
How much fiber does this dish provide?
There are 3.75g of fiber per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates?
There are 16g of carbohydrates per serving.
What equipment is best for cooking this?
A large Dutch oven is recommended for this recipe.
How much water is added to the pot?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of water in addition to the chicken broth.
What type of onion should I use?
Use 1 cup of fresh chopped onion.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 chopped garlic cloves.
What tags are associated with this dish?
Tags include southern, black-eyed peas, ham hock, comfort food, and soul food.
Is this considered a hearty meal?
Yes, it is described as a heartwarming and hearty meal.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests seasoning with salt and pepper to taste at the end.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
The nutritional information indicates the sugar content is null.
What is the preparation for the ham hocks?
The ham hocks are added to the pot whole.
Is this a slow-cooked dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a slow-cooked vegetable dish.
What is the category of this recipe?
It is categorized as a southern vegetable dish or soul food.