Black-Eyed Peas With Bacon
A hearty Southern classic featuring tender black-eyed peas infused with smoky bacon, aromatic onions, and thyme, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place peas, bacon, and enough water to cover in a large kettle; bring to a boil.
- Boil for 2 minutes.
- Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 1 hour.
- Do not drain.
- In a skillet, saute onion and garlic in butter until tender.
- Add to pea mixture with thyme and salt.
- Return to the heat; simmer, covered, for 30 minutes or until peas are soft.
- Top with crumbled bacon, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more robust flavor, consider adding a bay leaf while simmering the peas. If you're out of bacon, diced ham or smoked sausage can be a delicious substitute. Ensure you rinse the black-eyed peas thoroughly to remove any debris. If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of water.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the black-eyed peas as a hearty main dish or as a side paired with cornbread or rice. For a complete meal, complement with collard greens or southern-style fried chicken. They also make a great addition to a salad or can be enjoyed alongside 'Sos' Or Creamed Hamburger for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm them on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. You can also microwave them in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black-Eyed Peas With Bacon contains roughly 159 calories, with 5g protein, 15g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 531mg per serving (23% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried black-eyed peas instead of canned?
Yes, dried black-eyed peas work well in this recipe. Just make sure to soak them overnight or use the quick soak method, then adjust the cooking time accordingly as they will take longer to become tender compared to canned peas.
What can I add for extra flavor?
For added depth, consider incorporating diced bell peppers, a splash of hot sauce, or even a pinch of smoked paprika. Herbs like parsley or cilantro can also brighten the dish right before serving.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the black-eyed peas after cooking. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. They will keep well for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).