Texas Black Eyed Peas

Texas Black Eyed Peas are a Southern favorite that bring warmth, luck, and flavor to the table. Whether you’re cooking them for New Year’s Day or craving a comforting bowl on a chilly evening, this hearty dish never disappoints. Packed with smoky bacon, tender peas, and savory spices, it’s the kind of meal that tastes like home. If you’ve ever wondered how to cook black eyed peas the easy way, this recipe will walk you through every step so you can enjoy a bowl full of goodness any time of year.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• It’s the perfect New Year food tradition that symbolizes good luck and prosperity.
• Uses simple pantry staples and one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Rich, smoky flavor from bacon and seasonings adds a deep Southern touch.
• Pairs beautifully with cornbread, rice, or even cheesy ranch potatoes for a complete meal.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Black eyed peas: The star of this recipe, hearty and full of protein.
• Beef Bacon: Adds smoky, savory depth to every bite.
• Onion, celery, and garlic: The flavor base that builds warmth and aroma.
• Chicken broth: Provides rich liquid for simmering the peas to tenderness.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne for subtle heat.

Step by Step Instructions

1. Rinse and sort the black eyed peas to remove any debris.
2. In a large pot, cook chopped bacon until crisp, then remove and set aside.
3. Add onions, celery, and garlic to the bacon drippings. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
4. Return beef bacon to the pot, add peas, chicken broth, and seasonings.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes until peas are tender.
6. Taste and adjust salt or spice as needed. Serve warm with rice or a simple orzo dinner on the side.

Helpful Tips and Variations

• Soak peas overnight for a quicker cook time and creamier texture.
• To make it vegetarian, skip the bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke for flavor.
• For a hands-free version, try my slow cooker black eyed peas recipe.
• Stir in diced tomatoes or chopped greens for extra nutrition and color.

Serving and Storage

Serve your Texas Black Eyed Peas with fluffy rice, cornbread, or a fresh green salad. They’re also wonderful alongside grilled sausage or roasted vegetables for a hearty meal.

Texas Black Eyed Peas

Texas Black Eyed Peas are a Southern favorite full of smoky flavor, warmth, and tradition. Cooked with bacon, vegetables, and savory seasonings, it’s a comforting one-pot dish perfect for New Year’s Day or any chilly night.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Southern

Calories: 320

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound black eyed peas dried, sorted and rinsed
• 6 slices bacon chopped (or use ham hock)
• 1 onion chopped
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups chicken broth

Seasonings

• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika smoked preferred
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat

Equipment

• Large Pot

Method

 

1. Rinse and sort the black eyed peas to remove any debris.
2. In a large pot, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside.
3. Add onions, celery, and garlic to the bacon drippings. Sauté until soft and fragrant.
4. Return bacon to the pot, add peas, chicken broth, and all seasonings.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 45 to 60 minutes or until peas are tender.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve warm with rice or cornbread.

Notes

Soak peas overnight to reduce cook time. For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and use smoked paprika or liquid smoke. Add chopped greens or tomatoes for extra nutrition.

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to loosen the texture if needed.

FAQs

What makes New Years Black Eyed Peas special?

In Southern tradition, black eyed peas are eaten on New Year’s Day to bring good fortune for the coming year. The peas symbolize coins, while greens represent wealth, and cornbread stands for gold. Together, it’s a delicious and hopeful way to start the year right.

Do I need to soak black eyed peas before cooking?

Soaking is optional. It helps reduce cooking time and gives the peas a softer texture, but if you’re short on time, you can cook them directly. Just simmer a little longer until they reach your desired tenderness.

Can I freeze cooked black eyed peas?

Yes, they freeze beautifully. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep for up to three months. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth for that just-cooked flavor.

What meat goes well in a black eyed peas recipe?

Bacon, ham hock, or smoked sausage all add wonderful depth. The smoky, salty flavors complement the earthiness of the peas, creating that classic Texas taste everyone loves.

How can I make my black eyed peas creamy?

For extra creaminess, mash a small portion of the peas in the pot near the end of cooking. Stir them back in for a naturally thickened, silky texture that clings to your spoon.

Final Thoughts from Ama

Some recipes just feel like home, and Texas Black Eyed Peas are one of them. They remind us to slow down, gather around, and start fresh with something simple and good. Even if your peas come out a little too soft or spicy, they’ll still bring comfort to your table. That’s the beauty of cooking from the heart — it doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful.