Moms Black Eyed Peas Recipes

BLACK EYED PEAS RECIPE

Steps:

• Rinse the ham hocks (or turkey wings) very well then add to a large pot along with enough water to fully submerge them then cover with a lid. This is usually about 6-8 cups of water depending on your pot size.
• Boil over medium high heat for at least 1 hr or until meat is near being tender Pierce with a fork to check tenderness. This can take up to an hour and a half. Add more water if necessary so it doesn't dry out. There should be enough water to always cover the meat.
• Add rinsed or frozen black eyed peas to pot along with salt, garlic powder, sugar, paprika, onion powder and cayenne if using. Stir together, cover with the lid and allow the peas to come to a boil over medium high heat.
• Continue to cook, stirring occasionally and checking as water begins to evaporate and peas become tender. This will take about an hour to an hour and a half. If peas begin to look dry, add a cup of water (or chicken broth) and check bottom of pot to make sure they don't stick. You will want the peas to be softened.
• Finally, if using, add frozen okra and allow to cook covered for 20-30 minutes or until tender and softened.
• At this point, you will need to check the peas and liquid to make sure you have it how you prefer. If you like it more brothy with more liquid, add additional broth or water and stir. Add until you reach the consistency you like. If you like your peas thickened more than they currently are, you can either use an immersion blender to blend a few peas in the pot or you can remove a cup of peas along with some broth and add to a heavy duty blender and mix until smooth then stir back into the pot. Remember the peas will continue to thicken in sauce after heat is turned off and they settle so you may want to check first before doing to step.

SOUTHERN-STYLE BLACK-EYED PEAS

Steps:

• Soak black-eyed peas in a bowl of water for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
• Heat oil in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. Saute onion and garlic in the hot oil until onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add smoked ham hocks and water. Bring to a boil. Cover, lower heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 hour.
• Drain peas and add to the pot along with seasoned salt, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, red pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Cover, lower heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 hour. Uncover the pot and cook until beans are tender, about 30 minutes more. Remove bay leaves and ham hocks before serving.