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Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon

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This easy Southern comfort food recipe features smoky bacon and tender black-eyed peas simmered with aromatic veggies for a hearty, nostalgic dish. Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb dried black-eyed peas (or 3 cups cooked/canned, rinsed and drained)
  • 8 oz thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 sprig fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried thyme, optional)
  • Hot sauce, to taste (optional)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. If using dried peas, rinse thoroughly and pick out any debris. Place in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 30-35 minutes until just tender. If using canned peas, skip this step and rinse them well.
  2. Chop bacon into 1/2-inch pieces. Dice onion, celery, and carrot. Mince garlic.
  3. Place bacon in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until crisp and golden. Remove half the bacon and set aside for garnish; leave the rest and drippings in the pot.
  4. Add onion, celery, and carrot to the pot. Sauté in bacon fat for 5-6 minutes until veggies soften and onions are translucent. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
  5. Add cooked (or canned) black-eyed peas and chicken broth. Add bay leaf, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir well.
  6. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then lower heat and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender but not mushy. Add more broth if needed.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or hot sauce. Remove bay leaf and thyme sprig if using fresh.
  8. Ladle into bowls, top with reserved crispy bacon and sliced green onions. Serve hot.

Notes

For vegetarian, swap bacon for smoked tempeh or liquid smoke and use vegetable broth. If peas seem dry, add more broth. For extra creamy peas, mash a handful against the pot’s side before serving. Flavors deepen after a day in the fridge. Double-check broth for gluten-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: black-eyed peas, bacon, southern comfort food, easy dinner, potluck, gluten-free, hearty, soul food

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/black-eyed-peas-with-bacon-recipe-easy-southern-comfort-food/