Southern Peas and Ham

Get a taste of true Southern comfort with this hearty Southern Peas and Ham recipe, a soul-warming dish steeped in tradition and flavor. Featuring tender dried Southern peas like black-eyed peas, field peas, or crowder peas, slow-simmered with smoky ham hock, aromatic vegetables, and a savory broth, this dish is the epitome of Southern home cooking. With just the right balance of spices, a touch of hot sauce for heat, and a garnish of fresh parsley, every bite is a celebration of rustic, down-home goodness. Perfectly paired with cornbread or fluffy white rice, this easy-to-make one-pot meal is ideal for hearty family dinners or a comforting addition to any gathering. Prepare to relish a classic Southern stew that’s rich in flavor and steeped in tradition!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:135 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups dried Southern peas (field peas, black-eyed peas, or crowder peas)
• 1 large ham hock or diced smoked ham
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 piece bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse and sort through the dried peas to remove any debris or bad peas. Place the peas in a large bowl and cover with water to soak overnight, or use the quick soak method by boiling them for 2 minutes, then letting them sit for 1 hour.

Step 2

Drain the peas and set them aside.

Step 3

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the ham hock (or diced ham) to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes to release some of the smoky flavor.

Step 6

Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

Add the soaked and drained peas, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the peas are tender.

Step 8

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce, if desired.

Step 9

Remove the bay leaf and discard. If using a ham hock, shred the meat from the bone and stir it back into the pot.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley, alongside cornbread or rice for a complete Southern meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2062.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1642.9

Total Fat 17.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 45mg	0%
Sodium 5678.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 258.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 44.8g	0%
Total Sugars 40.5g
Protein 121.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 473.3mg	0%
Iron 23.4mg	0%
Potassium 5039.2mg	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: 9.1%

Protein: 29.0%

Carbs: 61.8%