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Easy Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas with Ham: Best Southern Recipe

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This is the best slow cooker black-eyed peas recipe, featuring smoky ham and creamy, tender peas. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it Southern classic that’s perfect for New Year’s Day or any cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound dried black-eyed peas (about 2 cups)
  • 1 meaty ham bone or 1 large smoked ham shank (about 1.5–2 pounds)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1.5 cups)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the dried black-eyed peas in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water. Spread them out on a clean towel or plate and pick out any small stones or shriveled peas. Do not soak.
  2. Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
  3. Place the ham bone or smoked ham shank in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the diced onion and minced garlic around and on top of the ham.
  4. Pour the rinsed black-eyed peas over the ham and onions. Add the chicken broth and water. The liquid should cover the peas by about an inch; add more water if needed.
  5. Add the smoked paprika, black pepper, cayenne (if using), and bay leaves. Stir gently to combine. Do not add salt yet.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 4-5 hours, until the peas are tender and the broth is thick and savory. For creamiest results, cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
  7. About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, check the peas for tenderness. Using tongs, carefully remove the ham bone or shank and place it on a cutting board. Let cool slightly, then shred the meat off the bone, discarding fat, gristle, and bone.
  8. Return the shredded ham to the slow cooker. Stir well. Taste and add salt as needed (start with 1/4 teaspoon). Remove the bay leaves.
  9. Serve hot, on its own or over steamed white rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Do not add salt at the beginning; ham releases salt as it cooks. For a vegetarian version, omit ham, use vegetable broth, and add 1-2 tablespoons liquid smoke and extra smoked paprika. For a thicker broth, cook uncovered on HIGH for 20-30 minutes at the end. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice just before serving to brighten flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker black-eyed peas, black-eyed peas with ham, southern black-eyed peas, new year's day recipe, easy black-eyed peas, ham and beans, comfort food

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/easy-slow-cooker-black-eyed-peas-with-ham-best-southern-recipe/