Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage

Why make this recipe

Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage is a classic Southern dish that brings warmth and comfort. This hearty meal is not only delicious but also packed with protein and flavor. The combination of black-eyed peas, smoky bacon, and savory sausage makes it a satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. It’s a great way to celebrate tradition, especially on New Year’s Day when folks eat black-eyed peas for good luck.

How to make Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dried black-eyed peas
• 4 cups chicken broth (or water)
• 4 slices of bacon, chopped
• 1 pound smoked sausage, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 bay leaves
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Rinse the black-eyed peas under cold water, then soak them in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
3. Add the sliced sausage to the pot and cook until browned. Remove the sausage and set it aside with the bacon.
4. In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
5. Add the black-eyed peas, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and bay leaves to the pot. Stir well.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the peas are tender.
7. Stir in the bacon and sausage, cooking for an additional 10 minutes.
8. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

How to serve Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage

Serve Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage warm, garnished with fresh parsley. This dish pairs well with cornbread, rice, or a simple salad. Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish to your favorite BBQ or meat dishes.

How to store Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage

Allow the leftovers to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to make Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon and Sausage

• If using canned black-eyed peas, you can skip the soaking step. Just rinse and add them later in the cooking process to heat through.
• Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
• Adding a splash of vinegar just before serving can enhance the flavors.

Variation

For a vegetarian version, you can skip the bacon and sausage and use vegetable broth instead. You can add additional veggies like bell peppers or carrots to enrich the dish.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh black-eyed peas? Yes, you can use fresh black-eyed peas. Just adjust the cooking time as fresh peas usually cook faster than dried.
2. What if I don’t have chicken broth? You can use vegetable broth or just plain water. However, using broth adds more flavor to the dish.
3. How can I make this dish spicier? To spice things up, increase the cayenne pepper or add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the pot.

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