Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon

Black-eyed peas with bacon is a quintessential southern dish enjoyed throughout the southern United States, believed to have roots in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Creamy, smoky, rich and savory, this dish is similar to hoppin’ John, which is commonly served as an entree to celebrate the New Year, symbolizing luck and prosperity. These hearty legumes make a perfect side dish for a potluck, a cozy dinner or an unexpected swap for baked beans at your next cookout.

A staple in soul food cuisine, black-eyed peas originated in West Africa and were brought to the southern U.S. by enslaved people and the triangle trade. Today, these legumes are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them both delicious and nutritious.

Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon Ingredients

• Dried black-eyed peas
• Cooked, crumbled bacon
• Butter
• Onion
• Garlic
• Dried thyme
• Salt to taste
• Optional: Fresh thyme and additional crumbled bacon

Directions

Step 1: Parboil the peas and bacon

Rinse and sort the black-eyed peas. Place the peas and bacon in a Dutch oven, and add water to cover. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, and boil for two minutes. Remove the pot from the heat, and let the beans soak, covered, for one hour. Do not drain.

Step 2: Saute the onions and garlic

In a cast-iron or other heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the onion, and cook until it’s tender, stirring frequently. Add the garlic, and cook for one minute longer. Stir in the thyme.

Step 3: Combine everything and simmer

Stir the onion mixture into the pea mixture, then bring the pot to a boil. Reduce the heat, and simmer, covered, until the peas are tender, 30 t0 40 minutes, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with salt to taste, and if desired, garnish with fresh thyme and crumbled bacon.

How to Store Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon

Store any leftovers in a good airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. For longer storage, place the black-eyed peas in freezer-safe containers or zipper bags and keep them in the freezer for up to three months.

Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon Tips

How can I make black-eyed peas with bacon a main dish?

Very easily. To serve these peas and bacon as an entree, ladle them over cooked rice and you’ll have a hearty dinner. To make it more of a complete meal, add some vegetables to the peas while cooking. Good options include onion, celery and green bell peppers (aka the Cajun holy trinity), healthy okra, leafy greens and mushrooms.

Can I serve black-eyed peas with bacon for good luck?

You sure can. On New Year’s Day, whip up a batch of these black-eyed peas for good fortune in the coming year. To maximize your potential prosperity, serve them with southern collard greens or turnip greens. The peas are symbolic of coins, and the greens represent money coming your way.

Can I make this recipe for black-eyed peas with bacon in a pressure cooker?

Definitely. In fact, we have a terrific recipe for Instant Pot black-eyed peas, which calls for ham in place of bacon. Ham is a great alternative, or to match the flavor profile of this recipe, sub in bacon and follow the rest of the recipe as written.

Can I make this black-eyed peas with bacon recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. This vegan black-eyed peas recipe omits the pork and butter and instead uses smoked paprika, liquid smoke and soy sauce to deliver the same smoky, umami flavors.