Looking for a hearty, flavorful dish that brings comfort and rich Southern tradition to your table? Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage is the perfect choice. Packed with smoky, savory goodness, this dish is a must-try for anyone who enjoys bold flavors and a touch of Southern charm.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Flavor: Smoky bacon and savory sausage perfectly complement the earthy taste of black-eyed peas.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: A warm, filling dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible even to beginner cooks.
- Nutritious and Satisfying: Black-eyed peas are a great source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious dish, you’ll need:
- 1 pound of dried black-eyed peas (or 4 cups canned black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained)
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 pound of smoked sausage, sliced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas
If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse them thoroughly and soak them overnight. Drain and rinse before cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon and Sausage
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.
- Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook until browned. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Simmer the Peas
- Add the soaked black-eyed peas (or canned peas) to the pot along with the bacon, sausage, chicken broth, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender and the broth thickens.
Step 5: Final Touches
Remove the bay leaf, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Rice: Serve the black-eyed peas over fluffy white rice for a traditional Southern meal.
- With Cornbread: Pair with warm cornbread for a comforting and satisfying combination.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside roasted meats or fried chicken.
Tips for Success
- Soaking the Peas: Soaking dried peas overnight helps reduce cooking time and ensures even cooking.
- Adjusting the Heat: If you prefer a milder dish, omit the cayenne pepper. For extra spice, add diced jalapeños.
- Make It Smokier: Use smoked sausage and add a dash of liquid smoke for enhanced flavor.
Why Black-Eyed Peas?
Black-eyed peas are more than just delicious—they’re a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in protein, fiber, and iron, they’re an excellent choice for maintaining energy and supporting overall health. In Southern tradition, black-eyed peas are often associated with good luck and prosperity, especially when enjoyed on New Year’s Day.
Final Thoughts
Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage is a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just craving a satisfying meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and bring the taste of the South to your kitchen!
Serving and Storage Tips for Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage
To make the most of your delicious dish, here are some helpful tips for serving and storing your Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage.
Serving Tips
- Make It a Meal:
Serve over a bed of rice for a complete and hearty meal. Add a side of collard greens or cornbread to embrace a true Southern feast. - Toppings and Garnishes:
- A drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a fiery kick.
- Freshly chopped parsley or green onions brighten the flavors and add a pop of color.
- Pair with a dollop of sour cream for a creamy contrast.
- Serving Temperature:
This dish is best served warm, straight from the pot. If serving buffet-style, keep it warm in a slow cooker on the “low” setting.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration:
- Allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing:
- This dish freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, in 1-minute increments, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
- Preventing Mushy Peas:
When reheating, avoid over-stirring to keep the peas intact and maintain their texture.
Meal Prep & Leftovers
- Meal Prep Idea:
Prepare a large batch and portion it into individual containers for quick and easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. - Creative Leftovers:
- Use as a filling for tacos or wraps.
- Serve over toasted bread or alongside roasted vegetables.
- Turn into a stew by adding extra broth and your favorite veggies.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage fresh, flavorful, and convenient, whether it’s right off the stove or days later!
1. Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Absolutely! Using canned black-eyed peas saves time and simplifies the cooking process. Make sure to rinse and drain the canned peas before adding them to the recipe. Keep in mind that canned peas cook faster, so adjust the simmering time to about 20-25 minutes to avoid overcooking.
2. What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
Smoked sausage is ideal for this dish, as it adds a rich, smoky flavor that complements the bacon and black-eyed peas. Options like andouille, kielbasa, or even chorizo work well. For a milder taste, you can use a traditional pork sausage or chicken sausage.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and sausage. Instead, add a tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the aromatics, and enhance the flavor with smoked paprika, liquid smoke, or a dash of soy sauce for a savory, umami-rich taste. You can also include additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or celery.
4. How can I thicken the broth?
If you prefer a thicker broth, mash a small portion of the cooked black-eyed peas with a fork or potato masher and stir them back into the pot. Alternatively, let the dish simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid naturally.
Print
Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish, Side Dish
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This hearty dish of Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage is a comforting, flavorful meal, perfect for cozy dinners or New Year’s celebrations. It’s packed with smoky, savory flavors and tender black-eyed peas that are delicious served over rice or with cornbread.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and soaked overnight (or use canned, drained, and rinsed)
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 2 cups (480 ml) water (add more if needed)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon and sausage:
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the sausage slices and cook until browned. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
- Sauté the vegetables:
- In the rendered bacon fat, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the peas and seasonings:
- If using dried peas, drain and rinse them. Add the black-eyed peas to the pot along with the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), thyme, and bay leaf.
- Add liquids and simmer:
- Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir well, then return the bacon and sausage to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender. If needed, add more water to keep the peas covered during cooking.
- Season and finish:
- Remove the bay leaf and taste for seasoning. Add salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a creamier texture, mash some of the peas with the back of a spoon or use an immersion blender for a few pulses.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot over rice or alongside cornbread.
Notes
- Canned peas option: If using canned black-eyed peas, reduce the cooking time to 30 minutes and add them after the broth has simmered with the bacon and sausage for at least 20 minutes.
- Add heat: For spicier peas, increase the cayenne pepper or add diced jalapeños.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.