Savory Black Eyed Peas with Bacon

Indulge in the hearty Southern flavors of Savory Black Eyed Peas with Bacon—a comforting dish that combines tender black-eyed peas with the smoky richness of crispy bacon. This soul-warming recipe infuses the legumes with aromatic garlic, sautéed onions, and a blend of smoked paprika and thyme, simmering everything in flavorful chicken broth for ultimate depth. The crumbled bacon adds a delightful crunch, while a garnish of fresh green onions brings a pop of freshness to every bite. Perfect as a standalone meal or paired with cornbread or rice, this one-pot dish is a must-try for fans of classic comfort food. Packed with protein and bursting with bold seasoning, it’s the ideal recipe for cozy dinners or festive gatherings. Keywords: black-eyed peas, bacon recipe, Southern comfort food, hearty one-pot meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried black-eyed peas
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 stalks green onion

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water to remove any debris, then soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.

Step 3

Finely dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

Add the olive oil to the pot if needed, then sauté the onion in the reserved bacon fat over medium heat until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken broth and add the soaked black-eyed peas, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the peas simmer gently for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until tender.

Step 8

Crumble the cooked bacon and stir it into the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Step 9

Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot, either as a side dish or a main course with cornbread or rice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1369.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	810.2

Total Fat 44.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 9.5g
Cholesterol 47.5mg	0%
Sodium 5805.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 59.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.8g	0%
Total Sugars 13.4g
Protein 45.7g	0%

Vitamin D 7.7IU	0%
Calcium 231.8mg	0%
Iron 10.1mg	0%
Potassium 1903.6mg	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: 48.7%

Protein: 22.3%

Carbs: 29.1%