Ham And Black-Eyed Peas
A hearty Southern dish featuring tender black-eyed peas and savory ham, perfect for comforting family dinners and gatherings with rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Soak the black-eyed peas overnight in water.
- Drain the soaked peas.
- Combine all ingredients except rice in a 6-quart pressure cooker.
- Secure the lid and cook at 15 pounds of pressure for 35 minutes.
- Release the pressure and remove the lid.
- Place the ham on a carving board, trim excess fat, and slice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a bay leaf or some diced garlic while cooking. If you don't have a pressure cooker, you can simmer the ingredients on the stovetop for about 1.5 to 2 hours instead. For a vegetarian option, substitute the ham with smoked tempeh or liquid smoke for that depth of flavor. You can also use canned black-eyed peas to save time; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the ham and black-eyed peas over a bed of fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. Pair with cornbread or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the dish. For a Southern touch, consider serving with collard greens or browse more Pork recipes for additional side ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ham And Black-Eyed Peas contains roughly 777 calories, with 24g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), protein (48% of the Daily Value), and iron (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned black-eyed peas. Just rinse and drain them, then add them to the pressure cooker along with the other ingredients, but reduce the cooking time to about 10 minutes as they are already cooked.
How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?
The ham should be heated to an internal temperature of at least 145°F. If you’re using a pre-cooked ham, you can heat it just until warmed through, which should take about 20-30 minutes in the pressure cooker.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
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).