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Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 52 reviews

Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas is a comforting, flavorful Southern classic made with smoked turkey wings or ham hocks, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of Creole Cajun seasonings. This recipe uses an Instant Pot for a quick pressure-cooked version or offers stovetop instructions for slow simmering, resulting in tender, creamy peas perfect served over rice or with cornbread.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Seasonings

  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 stalk of celery, finely chopped
  • 1 small jalapeño, deseeded & finely diced
  • 6 cloves of garlic, finely minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic paste)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2–3 teaspoons Creole Cajun Seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Protein and Legumes

  • 1 lb smoked turkey wings or ham hocks
  • 1 lb (16 ounces) dried black-eyed peas, sorted & rinsed

Liquids

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (substitute: bacon grease or duck fat)
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth

Garnish and Serving

  • Fresh chopped parsley, as garnish (optional)
  • Cooked white rice and/or cornbread (optional)

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: Set the Instant Pot to the “sauté” function for 7 minutes. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering. Add finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and jalapeño. Cook until tender, stirring often, about 6-7 minutes.
  2. Add Garlic: Stir in the finely minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute to release its aroma.
  3. Add Seasonings and Meat: Add bay leaves, Creole Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, smoked turkey wings or ham hocks, rinsed black-eyed peas, and chicken stock. Stir to combine and secure the lid on the Instant Pot.
  4. Pressure Cook: Set the Instant Pot to “manual” or “pressure cook” mode for 35 minutes. After cooking, allow the pressure to release naturally for 7-10 minutes until steam ceases, then unlock and open the lid.
  5. Remove and Shred Meat: Carefully remove smoked meat and set aside to cool slightly. Use two forks or hands (glove recommended) to shred meat into bite-sized pieces, then return meat to the pot.
  6. Create Creamy Texture: Remove and discard bay leaves. Use a potato masher to gently mash some of the peas, breaking them up just a few times to thicken the mixture for a creamy consistency. Stir to combine.
  7. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more Creole Cajun seasoning if desired. Serve hot garnished with fresh parsley and alongside cooked white rice or cornbread for a complete meal.
  8. Stovetop Soak: Cover peas with cold water and soak overnight, or for a quicker method, boil 6-7 cups water, add peas, remove from heat, and soak 30 minutes to 1 hour. Drain peas before cooking.
  9. Stovetop Sauté: In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, bell pepper, celery, jalapeño (steps 1-2) until tender.
  10. Combine and Simmer: Add all remaining ingredients including chicken stock, smoked meat, and soaked peas. Cover with a lid and simmer over medium heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally and adding stock or water as needed to prevent drying.
  11. Tear Meat and Mash Peas: Remove meat and shred as above, then stir back into pot. Mash some peas gently to create creaminess and stir well.
  12. Season and Serve: Taste for seasoning and adjust with Cajun seasoning if needed, then serve hot with your choice of accompaniments.

Notes

  • Substitute olive oil with bacon grease or duck fat for more authentic Southern flavor.
  • Use smoked turkey wings for a lower-fat alternative to ham hocks.
  • Creole Cajun seasoning can be homemade or store-bought depending on preference.
  • Natural pressure release is important to avoid foam or splatter.
  • Peas can be mashed lightly to create creaminess without additional dairy or thickeners.
  • Serve over white rice or with cornbread for a traditional Southern meal experience.
  • Soaking dried peas ahead reduces cooking time and improves tenderness.

Keywords: black eyed peas, southern recipe, instant pot black eyed peas, smoked turkey wings, creole cajun seasoning, comfort food, pressure cooker recipes

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/creamy-southern-black-eyed-peas-recipe/