Sizzling Smoky Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage Recipe

Southern comfort beckons with these smoky black-eyed peas simmered to hearty perfection.

Crisp bacon and savory sausage infuse deep, rich flavors into every tender bite.

Slow-cooked beans absorb a symphony of smoky seasonings that dance across your palate.

The robust ingredients meld together, creating a soul-warming dish that speaks to traditional Southern cooking.

Fragrant herbs and spices elevate this classic recipe beyond simple comfort food.

Each spoonful promises a delectable journey through robust, comforting flavors that warm both body and soul.

You’ll find this dish irresistible and perfect for any gathering that craves authentic, soulful cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 6

Black-Eyed Peas and Sausage Ingredient List

• Bacon: Crispy, smoky foundation that adds rich depth and irresistible flavor.
• Sausage: Hearty protein that brings spicy warmth and robust texture to the dish.

• Onion: Sweet base that provides depth and classic savory undertone.
• Bell Pepper: Adds vibrant color and subtle crunch with fresh garden notes.
• Garlic: Powerful aromatic that elevates overall flavor complexity.

• Black-Eyed Peas: Protein-packed legume with creamy texture and earthy flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers warm, smoky essence that complements meat perfectly.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional heat booster for those craving spicy kick.
• Thyme: Delicate herb that introduces subtle woodsy undertones.
• Bay Leaf: Contributes gentle herbal background notes during slow cooking.
• Chicken Broth: Provides rich, savory liquid base for tender pea preparation.
• Water: Ensures proper hydration and consistent cooking environment.
• Parsley: Fresh garnish that adds bright, green finishing touch.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning for balanced taste enhancement.

Tools to Cook Up This Southern Dish

• Large pot or dutch oven: Essential for cooking multiple ingredients and building deep flavor.
• Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing bacon and sausage while keeping fat in the pot.
• Chef's knife: Needed for chopping onions, bell peppers, and parsley.
• Cutting board: Provides safe surface for chopping vegetables.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and moving ingredients around while cooking.
• Measuring cups: Helps measure broth and water accurately.
• Immersion blender (optional): Useful for creating creamy texture if desired.

How to Make Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon Flavor

• Fire Up the Flavor Makers

Crisp up bacon in a large pot until it’s golden and delicious. Pull out the bacon and set it aside. In the sameal pot, brown those sausage slices until they’re perfectly caramelized.

• Dance Those Veggies

Sizzle onions, bell peppers, and garlic in the bacon’s leftover goodness until they’re soft and fragrant.

• Build the Hearty Base

Toss in black-eyed peas with smoky spices like paprika and thyme. Let those aromas mingle and create excitement.

• Create a Liquid Symphony

Pour in chicken broth and water. Reunite the bacon and sausage with their veggie friends. Bring everything to a boil, then let it simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours until peas become wonderfully tender.

• Final Flavor Touches

Pull out the bay leaf and taste. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Mash some peas for extra creaminess if you’re feeling adventurous.

• Serve with Joy

Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve over fluffy rice or with golden cornbread. Enjoy your southern comfort feast!

Tips for Slow-Cooked in Every Spoon

• Let the black-eyed peas simmer slowly to develop rich, deep flavors – rushing the cooking process will result in tough, undercooked legumes.
• Replace bacon with smoked turkey bacon for a lighter, lower-fat version that still delivers incredible smoky depth.
• Omit meat entirely and substitute with liquid smoke, diced mushrooms, and vegetable broth to maintain the robust flavor profile while creating a plant-based feast.
• Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on heat preference – start with a pinch for mild warmth or go bold with a full teaspoon for serious spice lovers.
• This dish tastes even better the next day, so prepare in advance and let flavors meld overnight in the refrigerator for an incredibly delicious one-pot meal that gets more delectable with time.

Serve This Southern Classic with Comfort Sides

• Hearty Meal Companion: Serve this rich black-eyed pea dish over fluffy white rice to soak up all the delicious meaty broth and create a complete, satisfying meal.
• Southern Comfort Plate: Pair with crispy, golden cornbread to complement the smoky flavors of the bacon and sausage, capturing traditional Southern comfort food vibes.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle extra fresh chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, green freshness that cuts through the dish's richness and provides a beautiful color contrast.
• Spice Lover's Twist: Top with a few dashes of hot sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes for those who enjoy an extra kick of heat to elevate the dish's already bold flavor profile.

Save and Reheat for a Next-Day Meal

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated black-eyed peas maintain excellent quality for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Transfer completely cooled dish to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight space for expansion. Frozen meals remain delicious for up to 3 months without flavor degradation.
• Warm refrigerated portions in microwave, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly. Add tiny splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Double recipe quantities during initial cooking. Separate portions into individual servings for quick weekday meals, reducing future cooking time and ensuring convenient nutrition.

FAQs

• Are black-eyed peas healthy?

Black-eyed peas are incredibly nutritious, packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like folate, potassium, and iron. They support heart health, aid digestion, and help maintain steady blood sugar levels.

• Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?

Yes, you can substitute dried peas with canned ones. Just drain and rinse the canned peas, and reduce the cooking time to about 30-45 minutes since they’re already cooked. The flavor and texture will be slightly different from dried peas.

• What type of sausage works best in this recipe?

Andouille or smoked sausage are perfect choices, adding a rich, smoky flavor to the dish. Chorizo or kielbasa also work well and provide excellent depth to the overall taste.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat level from cayenne pepper, which can be adjusted to your preference. You can reduce or omit the cayenne for a milder version, or increase it for more kick.

Smoky Black-Eyed Peas With Bacon And Sausage Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage blends Southern comfort with savory protein-packed ingredients. Rich flavors meld together in this classic Southern dish that offers warmth and satisfaction for all who enjoy traditional cuisine.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and soaked overnight (or use canned, drained, and rinsed)
• 12 oz (340 g) smoked sausage or andouille sausage, sliced
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups (1 L) chicken broth
• 2 cups (480 mL) water (add more if needed)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Crisp bacon and brown sausage in a spacious pot over medium heat, transferring both to a separate plate while preserving the rendered fat.
2. Vegetable Sauté: Utilize the flavorful fat to soften onions, bell peppers, and garlic until translucent and aromatic, developing a rich flavor base.
3. Seasoning Integration: Add rinsed black-eyed peas to the vegetable mixture, incorporating smoked paprika, cayenne, thyme, and bay leaf to build a complex flavor profile.
4. Liquid and Protein Combination: Pour chicken broth and water into the pot, reuniting the reserved bacon and sausage. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
5. Slow Cooking Process: Simmer uncovered for 90-120 minutes, periodically stirring and replenishing liquid as needed to prevent drying. Test peas for desired tenderness throughout cooking.
6. Final Refinement: Remove bay leaf and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Optionally create a creamy texture by gently mashing some peas with a spoon or quick immersion blender pulses.
7. Serving Recommendation: Garnish with fresh parsley and accompany with steamed rice or warm cornbread for a robust, comforting southern-style dish.

Notes

• Bacon Precision: Crisp bacon first to maximize flavor development and render maximum fat for sautéing vegetables.
• Fat Management: Reserve rendered bacon and sausage fat for building deep, rich flavor base in the dish.
• Liquid Monitoring: Check liquid levels regularly during long cooking process to prevent peas from drying out or burning.
• Texture Control: Gently mash some peas at end to create creamy consistency without losing overall texture of the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg