A classic Southern dish traditionally eaten on New Year's Day for good luck. The black-eyed peas represents good luck, pork represents prosperity and greens (often served alongside) represent wealth.
Ingredients
1 pound dried black-eyed peas
6 cups water or chicken broth
8 ounces smoked ham hock or bacon (4-6 slices)
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup long-grain white rice
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons butter
Green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Peas
Rinse the black-eyed peas and pick through them to remove any debris. No need to soak overnight for this recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy (if using bacon). Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot. If using ham hock, skip this step and add it directly to the pot.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the onion and bell pepper to the pot with the drippings (or add a tablespoon of oil if using ham hock). Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
Step 4: Simmer the Peas
Add the black-eyed peas, water or broth, ham hock (or crumbled bacon), bay leaves, salt, black pepper, and cayenne to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 45-60 minutes until peas are tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Add the Rice
Stir in the rice and butter. If needed, add more liquid to ensure there's enough to cook the rice (about 2 cups of liquid should remain). Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Remove the ham hock and bay leaves. If you used ham hock, shred any meat from the bone and stir it back into the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with chopped green onions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with collard greens and cornbread for a complete traditional meal
Add hot sauce at the table for extra kick
Leftovers reheat beautifully and taste even better the next day
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika for depth.
Some cooks prefer to cook the rice separately and mix it in at the end to control texture better.
Traditional timing: Make this on New Year's Day for good luck throughout the year!
Serves: 6-8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes