black eyed peas ham hock recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best black eyed peas ham hock recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite black eyed peas ham hock recipe. This dish is a staple in our household, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, packed with protein and fiber, and absolutely delicious. I first discovered this recipe on a trip to the southern United States, where it’s a traditional comfort food.

The combination of the rich, smoky flavor of the ham hock and the creamy texture of the black eyed peas is just heavenly. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile – you can serve it as a main course, use it as a side dish, or even add it to soups and stews for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.

Growing up, my family always made black eyed peas on New Year’s Day, as a way to bring good luck and prosperity into the new year. But over time, I’ve come to realize that this recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty Sunday roast. And let’s not forget the health benefits: black eyed peas are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Plus, they’re low in calories and high in antioxidants. So what makes this recipe so special? For one thing, it’s all about the slow-cooked ham hock – which is essentially a giant pork bone that’s been simmered in liquid for hours to extract all the rich flavors and collagen.

This process creates a rich, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the slightly crunchy texture of the black eyed peas. Another key technique is using the right type of liquid – I like to use chicken or beef broth to add depth and richness to the dish. And don’t even get me started on the importance of using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary – they add such a bright, earthy flavor that takes this dish from good to great.

Black Eyed Peas and Ham Hock Stew

4.6 from 1232 votes

This hearty stew combines black eyed peas and ham hock for a comforting and flavorful dish. It is perfect for a cozy dinner and can be served with cornbread or rice.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time2 hours 30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time2 hours 45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 lb dried black eyed peas
1 ham hock
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Rinse the black eyed peas and pick out any debris.
2Soak the peas in water overnight or use quick soak method by boiling water, removing from heat, adding peas, and letting them sit for 1 hour.
3In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
4Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper.
5Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
6Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
7Place the ham hock in the pot and add the smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
8Stir well to combine the spices with the vegetables.
9Pour in the diced tomatoes and chicken broth.
10Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
11Bring the mixture to a boil.
12Add the soaked and drained black eyed peas to the pot.
13Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently.
14Stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
15Cook the stew for approximately 2 hours, or until the black eyed peas are tender and the ham hock is cooked through.
16The ham hock should be easily pulled apart with a fork.
17Add more water or broth if the stew becomes too thick.
18Remove the ham hock from the pot and let it cool slightly.
19Once cool enough to handle, shred the meat from the bone and return it to the pot.
20Discard the bone and any excess fat.
21Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
22Serve the black eyed peas and ham hock stew hot with cornbread or rice.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 50g🥦Dietary Fiber: 10g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: For added flavor, you can use a smoked ham hock. If you prefer a spicier stew, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the pot.

Watch Video Of How Black Eyed Peas and Ham Hock Stew Works

This black-eyed peas with ham hock recipe is always a crowd-pleaser and a great choice for any family gathering or holiday meal. If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply warm the dish in the oven or on the stovetop until heated through. This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as cornbread, rice, or collard greens.

You can also serve it with a side salad or crusty bread. This dish is one of my family’s favorite dishes and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Black Eyed Peas and Ham Hock Stew

Q: What is a ham hock?

A: A ham hock is essentially a giant pork bone that’s been cured in salt and sugar to preserve it. They’re typically sold in grocery stores as large pieces of meat that have been simmered in liquid to extract all the rich flavors and collagen.

Q: Can I use store-bought black eyed peas instead of cooking them from scratch?

A: While store-bought black eyed peas are convenient, they often lack the texture and flavor that comes from cooking them from scratch. Plus, cooking them from scratch allows you to control the level of doneness – whether you like them soft and mushy or still slightly crunchy.

Q: How long does this recipe take to make?

A: One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make! Simply brown the ham hock in a skillet until it’s nice and caramelized, then transfer everything to a slow cooker or Dutch oven with some liquid (like broth or water) and let it cook for 6-8 hours on low heat.

Q: Can I use different types of protein instead of ham hock?

A: While ham hock is traditional in this recipe, you can definitely experiment with other types of protein – such as bacon or sausage – if you prefer. Just be aware that they’ll change the flavor profile significantly!

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: Unfortunately not – due to the presence of ham hock (which contains pork). However, if you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, you could try substituting in some smoked tofu or tempeh for added depth and umami flavor.

Q: How do I store leftover black eyed peas?

A: To store leftover black eyed peas, simply transfer them to an airtight container (such as Tupperware or glass jars) and refrigerate until ready to reheat. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months if you prefer.

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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