ham hocks and black eyed peas recipe

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The Best ham hocks and black eyed peas recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my family’s favorite recipe for ham hocks and black eyed peas. This hearty dish has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal after a long day or a delicious addition to your family gatherings, this recipe is sure to please.

I remember my grandmother teaching me how to make it when I was just a young girl, and now I’m passing it down to my own children. The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a great option for busy families like ours. The dish has its roots in Southern American cuisine, where ham hocks were used as a main ingredient in many traditional recipes.

The combination of the rich, meaty flavor of the ham hocks with the creamy texture of the black eyed peas is absolute perfection. And let’s not forget the health benefits – this dish is packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from the beans and ham. My kids love helping me cook it because they get to mash up the beans with a fork, which is always a fun task.

One of the key techniques to mastering this recipe is to cook the ham hocks low and slow until they’re fall-apart tender. This makes all the difference in terms of flavor and texture. I like to use a large Dutch oven or slow cooker for this purpose, as it allows me to cook the ingredients all day while I’m busy with other tasks.

Once the ham hocks are done, I add in some chopped onions, garlic, and black eyed peas and let them simmer until everything is nice and tender. This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, which is perfect for our family gatherings or potlucks at church. It’s also great for leftovers – we often eat it for lunch or dinner for days after we first make it.

Ham Hocks and Black Eyed Peas

4.7 from 688 votes

A soulful, savory dish where smoked ham hocks infuse tender black eyed peas with deep, smoky flavor. This hearty one-pot meal is a Southern classic, often enjoyed for good luck on New Year’s Day.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time2 hrs 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hrs 45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound dried black eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
2 smoked ham hocks (about 1.5 pounds total)
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the dried black eyed peas in a large bowl and cover them with cold water by 2 inches.
2Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight, then drain and rinse them thoroughly before cooking.
3In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, add the ham hocks and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides.
4Remove the ham hocks to a plate and set them aside.
5Add the diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the pot and cook over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are softened.
6Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
7Return the browned ham hocks to the pot and add the soaked and drained black eyed peas, chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
8Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, until the black eyed peas are tender and the ham hocks are falling apart.
9Remove the ham hocks from the pot and place them on a cutting board.
10Once they are cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bones, discarding any fat, skin, and bones.
11Return the shredded ham hock meat to the pot and stir it into the black eyed peas.
12Taste the dish and add salt as needed, then remove the bay leaf.
13Serve the ham hocks and black eyed peas hot, over steamed rice or with cornbread.

🔧Equipment

Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 45mg🧂Sodium: 780mg🌾Total Carbs: 42g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

For a thicker consistency, mash some of the black eyed peas against the side of the pot before serving. Soaking the peas overnight is essential for even cooking and to reduce gas-producing compounds.

Watch Video Of How Ham Hocks and Black Eyed Peas Works

I make this ham hocks and black eyed peas recipe whenever I want a pot that feeds a crowd without me standing over the stove all day, and it always disappears before I get seconds.

It is cheap, it is filling, and it holds up on a buffet table next to whatever else people bring.

Whether it is a holiday, a Sunday dinner, or just a Tuesday when everyone is home, this is the one I reach for.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Ham Hocks and Black Eyed Peas

Q: What type of ham hocks should I use?

I prefer to use smoked ham hocks because they add a rich, smoky flavor to the dish. You can also use regular pork hocks if that’s what you have on hand.

Q: Can I substitute other types of beans?

Yes, you can definitely use other types of beans such as kidney beans or pinto beans if you prefer.

Q: How do I store leftover ham hocks and black eyed peas?

You can store leftover ham hocks and black eyed peas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! In fact, cooking the ham hocks low and slow is one of the best ways to ensure they’re tender and flavorful.

Q: What if I don’t have a large Dutch oven or slow cooker?

No problem! You can also make this recipe on your stovetop or in a large skillet.

Q: Can I add other ingredients such as vegetables or seasonings?

Yes, feel free to add any additional ingredients you like such as chopped carrots or celery or your favorite seasonings.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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