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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Vegetable Sauté: Utilize the flavorful fat to soften onions, bell peppers, and garlic until translucent and aromatic, developing a rich flavor base.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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