Zesty Smoked Ham Hocks with Spicy Black-Eyed Peas
This hearty dish combines the rich flavors of smoked ham hocks with the earthy goodness of black-eyed peas, making it an ideal comfort food for any occasion. The dish is well-seasoned and carries a slight kick from the jalapeños, which you can adjust to your preference for heat. Perfectly served over fluffy rice or enjoyed as a flavorful side dish, this recipe promises warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Drizzle with a touch of Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce to enhance the flavors further and turn up the heat!
6
Servings
75
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried black-eyed peas
1 (package (16 ounces))
Low sodium chicken broth
3 (cups)
Water
2 (cups)
Smoked ham hock
1 (lb)
Onion
1 (large, chopped)
Celery ribs
2 (chopped)
Carrots
2 (diced)
Jalapeno pepper
1-3 (seeded and minced)
Salt
1 (teaspoon)
Black pepper
1 (teaspoon)
Instructions
1
Begin by placing the dried black-eyed peas in a large, deep pan and cover them with enough water to ensure they sit about 2 inches deep.
2
Bring the water to a boil and allow it to boil for 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
3
Cover the pan and let the peas sit for 1 hour to soak and soften.
4
After the soaking period, drain the water from the black-eyed peas and set them aside.
5
In the same pan, add the chicken broth, 2 cups of water, the smoked ham hock, chopped onion, celery, diced carrots, minced jalapeños, salt, and black pepper.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil, ensuring that all ingredients are well combined and the ham hock is submerged.
7
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan, allowing it to simmer for about 1 hour or until the black-eyed peas become tender. Stir occasionally during this time.
8
Once cooked, serve the dish hot over rice or as a hearty side dish, and feel free to add a dash of Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce for extra flavor!
Nutrition Information
2.5
Fat
9.2
Carbs
4.2
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary protein source in this recipe?
The main protein source is a 1-lb smoked ham hock.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What type of beans are used in this dish?
The recipe uses a 16-ounce package of dried black-eyed peas.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 75 calories per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 2.5 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 9.2 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 4.2 grams of protein.
How long should I boil the black-eyed peas initially?
Boil the peas for 3 minutes before letting them soak.
How long do the black-eyed peas need to soak?
After boiling for 3 minutes, remove them from heat and let them soak for 1 hour.
Do I need to drain the soaking water?
Yes, you should drain the soaking water from the peas before continuing with the recipe.
What kind of broth is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of low sodium chicken broth.
How much water is added alongside the chicken broth?
You should add 2 cups of water.
How many jalapeños should I include?
You can use between 1 and 3 seeded and minced jalapeños depending on your heat preference.
What vegetables are needed for the base?
The base includes one large chopped onion, two chopped celery ribs, and two diced carrots.
How long does the dish need to simmer?
The dish should simmer for about 1 hour or until the black-eyed peas are tender.
Should I cover the pan while simmering?
Yes, reduce the heat to low and cover the pan during the 1-hour simmer.
How should I serve the Zesty Smoked Ham Hocks?
It is perfectly served hot over fluffy rice or as a hearty side dish.
How can I add extra spice to the finished dish?
You can drizzle it with Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce to enhance the flavor and heat.
Are the jalapeños seeded?
Yes, the instructions specify that the jalapeños should be seeded and minced.
What type of seasoning is used?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it is characterized by a slight kick from the jalapeños, which is why it is titled 'Zesty' and 'Spicy'.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is a hearty, comforting dish where the black-eyed peas become tender through slow cooking.
Can I adjust the heat level?
Yes, the number of jalapeños can be adjusted to your specific preference for heat.
Is the ham hock added whole?
The recipe calls for one 1-lb smoked ham hock to be added to the pan during the simmer.
Do I need to stir the peas while they cook?
Yes, you should stir the mixture occasionally during the 1-hour simmering period.
What is the total amount of black-eyed peas used?
The recipe uses one 16-ounce package of dried black-eyed peas.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under 'Ham'.
Is this a southern cuisine recipe?
Yes, one of the tags for this recipe is southern cuisine.
What is the primary cooking method?
The primary method is boiling followed by a slow simmer on the stovetop.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
The nutritional information provided indicates the sugar content is null or negligible.