New Year's Day Black Eyed Peas

Start your year off right with this comforting New Year's Day Black Eyed Peas recipe, a soulful classic steeped in tradition and rich flavor. Featuring tender black-eyed peas simmered in a savory broth infused with smoky bacon or ham hock, aromatic vegetables, and warming spices like thyme and paprika, this dish is as hearty as it is flavorful. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a solo indulgence, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s easy to make with simple pantry staples. Whether you’re embracing the Southern superstition of black-eyed peas for good luck or just craving a comforting bowl, this recipe is guaranteed to delight. Garnish with fresh parsley and pair with hot sauce for a personalized touch, and serve alongside cornbread or greens for the ultimate New Year’s meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 69/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
• 8 ounces bacon or smoked ham hock
• 1 yellow onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 carrot
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 0 salt (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
• 0 hot sauce (optional, for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the dried black-eyed peas under cold water and pick out any debris or damaged peas. Place them in a large bowl, cover with water, and soak overnight. If short on time, use the quick-soak method: boil the peas for 2 minutes, turn off the heat, and let them sit for 1 hour. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Dice the yellow onion, celery, carrot, and garlic cloves. Set aside.

Step 3

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon or brown the smoked ham hock over medium heat until the fat has rendered out and the meat is slightly crispy. Remove the bacon and chop into pieces if using, or leave the ham hock in the pot.

Step 4

Add the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrot to the pot. Sauté the vegetables in the rendered fat for about 5 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.

Step 5

Return the chopped bacon (if using) to the pot, then add the drained black-eyed peas, chicken broth, bay leaf, dried thyme, paprika, and ground black pepper.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the black-eyed peas are tender but not mushy.

Step 7

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. If the mixture is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8

Remove the bay leaf and the ham hock (if using). If you used a ham hock, shred the meat and stir it back into the pot.

Step 9

Serve warm in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Add hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy a kick of heat.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2380.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2185.8

Total Fat 127.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12.8g
Cholesterol 249.5mg	0%
Sodium 8825.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 120.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 33.8g	0%
Total Sugars 25.1g
Protein 139.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 355.6mg	0%
Iron 17.1mg	0%
Potassium 4292.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 52.6%

Protein: 25.5%

Carbs: 21.9%