I remember the first New Year’s I spent away from home, craving the comforting flavors that reminded me of family and hope. This black-eyed peas recipe quickly became my go-to, every spoonful warming both heart and home. It’s easy, packed with smoky goodness, and feels like a hug on a plate—just what I needed to start the year right.
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Starting fresh on New Year’s Day has a special kind of magic, and for me, that magic always includes a bowl of black-eyed peas. This recipe promises an easy way to make the best New Year’s black-eyed peas, delivering rich flavor with minimal fuss. Whether you’re juggling busy days or just want a comforting and hearty meal, this dish brings all the warmth and tradition your table needs.
This recipe promises an easy way to make the best New Year’s black-eyed peas recipe, delivering rich flavor with minimal fuss.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- One recipe, three foolproof methods: stovetop, slow cooker, and Instant Pot, so you can choose what fits your schedule best.
- Delivers layers of smoky flavor that make every bite delicious, with or without pork.
- Includes a truly delicious vegan version, making it versatile for all dietary needs.
- Packed with simple ingredients and easy steps to boost your confidence in the kitchen.
Why Black-Eyed Peas Are a New Year’s Tradition
Black-eyed peas are more than a tasty meal—they symbolize good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. The peas represent coins and wealth, the greens stand for paper money, and cornbread is the gold. Eating them on New Year’s Day is a beloved tradition intended to invite abundance and good fortune into your life.
Smoky Flavor Options
Smoked Beef Bacon
Smoked beef bacon adds a rich, meaty depth with a bold smoky aroma. Its crispy texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy peas, lifting the whole dish.
Smoked Sausage or Turkey
Using smoked sausage or turkey brings a savory, smoky sweetness that enhances the stew’s complexity. The sausage’s spiced profile complements the beans, while smoked turkey offers a leaner alternative without losing flavor.
Flavoring Without Pork (Smoked Paprika & Liquid Smoke)
If you prefer to keep the dish pork-free, smoky paprika and a dash of liquid smoke create that satisfying smoky taste, keeping the dish flavorful and welcoming to all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare these flavorful New Year’s black-eyed peas:
- 1 pound (453g) black-eyed peas
- 4-5 thick slices smoked beef bacon, chopped
- 5 ounces smoked sausage or turkey, diced (about 1 cup)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 stalk celery, diced
- 2-3 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 optional jalapeno, minced (can replace with ¼ teaspoon cayenne)
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1-2 teaspoons Creole seasoning
- 7-8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups (or more) collard greens (or kale)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make New Year’s Black Eyed Peas Step-by-Step
Soak the Peas
- Rinse dry black-eyed pea beans, pick through, and discard any foreign objects. Add beans to a large pot and cover with 3-4 inches of cold water. Let sit for 2-3 hours (or overnight).
Build the Flavor Base
- In a large, heavy sauté pan, sauté chopped smoked beef bacon until brown and crispy (4-5 minutes), then add sausage and sauté for 2-3 more minutes. Remove smoked beef bacon and sausage mixture, and set aside.
- Throw in the onions, celery, garlic, jalapenos, thyme, and bay leaf, and sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onions are wilted and aromatic.
- Pour in the chicken broth or water.
Simmer to Perfection
- Drain the soaked beans, rinse, and place them in the pot. Season with Creole seasoning and salt to taste. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes.
- Toss the collard greens, smoked beef bacon, and sausage into the pot, and continue cooking for another 10 minutes or more, stirring occasionally, until the beans are tender and the broth thickens to your desired texture.
- Add more stock or water if the mixture becomes dry and thick. The texture of the beans should be thick and somewhat creamy but not watery.
- Remove the bay leaf.
- Taste and adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning if needed. Serve over rice and garnish with chopped green onion.
Cooking Methods for Every Kitchen
| Method | Total Time | Active Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stovetop | About 1.5 hours | 20-30 minutes | Traditional flavor development |
| Slow Cooker | 6-8 hours (low) | 15 minutes prep | Set it and forget it |
| Instant Pot | 40 minutes total | 15 minutes prep | Last-minute cooking |
New Year’s Black Eyed Peas Slow Cooker
For the slow cooker, start by sautéing the smoked beef bacon, sausage, onions, celery, garlic, jalapenos, thyme, and bay leaf on the stovetop until aromatic and browned. Transfer everything, including the soaked and drained beans, to the slow cooker. Add chicken broth, Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. In the last 30 minutes, stir in the collard greens so they wilt perfectly.
New Year’s Black Eyed Peas Instant Pot
Begin by using the Sauté function on your Instant Pot to cook the smoked beef bacon until crispy. Add diced sausage and sauté for a couple more minutes. Then add onions, celery, garlic, jalapenos, thyme, and bay leaf, cooking until fragrant. Add soaked and drained beans, chicken broth, Creole seasoning, salt, and pepper. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural release. Stir in collard greens and smoked meats, then use the Sauté function briefly to wilt greens before serving.
Pro Tips for Perfect Black-Eyed Peas
- Don’t skip the soak; it reduces cooking time and helps beans cook evenly.
- Build layers of flavor by sautéing bacon, sausage, and aromatics before simmering.
- Mash a few beans at the end to naturally thicken the broth.
- Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting as you go for that perfect balance.
Delicious Vegan Black Eyed Peas
| Original Ingredient | Vegan Substitution |
|---|---|
| Bacon/Sausage | delicious sautéed mushrooms & liquid smoke |
| Chicken Broth | Vegetable broth |
| Creole seasoning & herbs | Keep as is |
| Collard greens or kale | Keep as is |
Flavor Variations
Make it Spicy
Add extra jalapenos, cayenne pepper, or even hot sauce to turn up the heat without losing flavor balance.
Make it Creamy
Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream at the end for a rich, creamy texture that complements the smoky spices.
Perfect Sides to Serve
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Southern Buttermilk Cornbread | Cornbread with a tender crumb and slight tang, perfect to soak up juices. |
| Sautéed Collard Greens | Seasoned greens that add the money symbolism and vibrancy to your plate. |
| Honey-Glazed Roasted Pork | Sweet and savory pork that adds a rich centerpiece to your celebration. |
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Portion beans into freezer-safe containers, freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts, stirring to maintain creamy texture. Add extra broth if needed.
New Year’s Black-Eyed Peas
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Rinse and sort the dry black-eyed peas, then cover with 3–4 inches of cold water in a large pot and soak 2–3 hours or overnight.
- In a large heavy skillet, cook chopped smoked beef bacon until crisp (4–5 minutes); add sausage and cook 2–3 minutes more. Transfer meats to a plate.
- In the same pan, sauté onion, celery, garlic, jalapeño, thyme, and bay leaf 3–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or water) and bring to a simmer.
- Drain and rinse the soaked beans, add to the pot, season with Creole seasoning and salt, and bring to a boil.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 20 minutes.
- Stir in the collard greens and the reserved bacon and sausage; simmer 10 minutes more, until beans are tender and broth thickens.
- Add more stock or water as needed to maintain a thick, creamy (not watery) texture.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and Creole seasoning. Serve over rice and garnish with chopped green onions.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to soak the black-eyed peas?
Soaking isn’t absolutely required but helps them cook faster and more evenly.
Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Yes, but canned peas are softer and may change the texture. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
My peas are still hard, what did I do wrong?
They likely weren’t soaked long enough or the heat was too low during cooking.
How do I make black-eyed peas without pork?
Use smoked paprika and liquid smoke for smoky flavor and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegan-friendly option.
Conclusion
This black-eyed peas recipe is a simple, comforting way to start the New Year with good luck and delicious food. It fits every kitchen style—whether you want to use the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot—and welcomes plenty of personal twists. What special ingredient does your family add to their New Year’s black-eyed peas? Share your traditions in the comments below—I love hearing how everyone makes this dish their own!
