Mississippi New Years Black Eyed Peas Recipes

SOUTHERN-STYLE BLACK-EYED PEAS

Steps:

• In a tall stockpot cook the bacon until done but not crisp; add the onion, bell pepper, and celery to the rendered bacon fat and cook just until tender. Add the garlic and cook another minute or so.
• Add ham and cook until lightly browned.
• Add black-eyed peas, cook and stir for 2 minutes, then begin to add the stock or water slowly, stirring in a little at a time; bring to a boil.
• Add pork hocks, jalapenos, salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning and bay leaves.
• Reduce to a medium simmer and partially cover, cooking for about 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until peas are tender and creamy.
• Add additional chicken stock or water only if necessary to slightly thin out.
• Remove pork hocks and pull any meat off the bone; return to peas. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Serve over hot cooked rice. Add a side of some Southern Skillet Cornbread. If serving for New Years, don't forget to eat your cabbage or greens too!

NEW YEAR BLACK EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Place the black-eyed peas into a large container and cover with several inches of cool water; let stand 8 hours to overnight. Drain and rinse before using.
• In a large stock pot over medium heat, cook and stir onion and garlic in olive oil until onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and 8 cups water, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to a simmer. Stir in soaked black-eyed peas, ham hocks, tomatoes, pepperoncini, bay leaf, garlic powder, thyme, and salt and pepper. Cover and simmer until peas are tender, ham meat is falling off the bones, and the broth is thickened, about 3 hours.

GRANNY DAMERON'S NEW YEAR'S DAY BLACK-EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Rinse the peas and drain.
• Put the bacon in a heavy kettle and cook, stirring, until rendered of fat and browned. Add the chopped pepper, onion and celery and cook, stirring, until wilted.
• Add the peas, vinegar, broth, salt, pepper and dried peppers. Bring to a boil. Cover closely and let simmer about an hour.
• Add six cups of the water and return to a boil. Let simmer about an hour, stirring occasionally from the bottom. Check the peas and if necessary add more water. Continue cooking 30 minutes. The total cooking time is 2 1/2 hours or longer.