Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey (Southern Style, No Pork)

If you’re looking for a rich, smoky, savory, pork-free black eyed peas recipe that’s heavy on the flavor, then look no further. These southern style black eyed peas with smoked turkey are sure to satisfy. They make the perfect addition to your New Year’s Day celebration spread, but can be enjoyed year round whenever you need a dish that’s hearty and satisfying (think Sunday dinner). I know you’re going to love this easy, delicious, and inexpensive recipe. Try it out today!

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Hungry for more? Here are some recipes to try:

• Southern Style Collard Greens
• Spicy Southern Style Cabbage
• Blackened Catfish

Peace, family. This recipe is literally comfort in a bowl. It’s smoky, savory, hearty – all the makings of a satisfying dish. Ringing in the new year with black eyed peas is a long-held southern tradition. In any given southern New Year’s Day spread you will find black eyed peas right alongside the cornbread and collard greens or cabbage. In this post, you’ll notice me using “black eyed peas” and “beans” interchangeably. That’s because although the name may imply that they’re peas, they are in fact, beans. Beans and peas are both legumes with seeds and pods that are edible.

Feeling Lucky?

Eating black eyed peas on the first day of the year has long been thought to bring good fortune and luck for the year ahead. It is served with collard greens (or cabbage), which represents wealth and money, and corn bread which represents gold. Just be sure not to do any laundry on January 1 – you’ll wash all of that luck and fortune right down the drain.

What Ingredients Do I Need?

• Dried Black Eyed Peas – look for bagged dried black eyed peas.
• Smoked Turkey Necks – this is what will give your beans the rich, smoky flavor.
• Yellow Onion – you can also use a white onion. I like to cut my onions into thin slices, but you can dice yours, if preferred.
• Fresh Garlic Cloves – minced.
• Chicken Broth (sodium free) – I prefer to utilize sodium free chicken broth in order to have more control of the salt content in my recipes. If you can’t find sodium free, you can also use a low-sodium chicken broth.
• Water
• Olive Oil Spray– or your favorite cooking oil for coating your pots. Just be sure to use an oil with a neutral flavor.
• Salt
• Pepper 
• Smoked Paprika
• Bay Leaf
• Cumin
• Cayenne
• Dried Thyme
• Garlic Powder
• Apple Cider Vinegar

Which Cut of Smoked Turkey Should I Use in my Black Eyed Peas?

This recipe calls for smoked turkey necks. If you cannot find this, or simply wish to use an alternative, you can also look for:

• Smoked Turkey Drumsticks
• Smoked Turkey Wings

Whichever cut you use, the premise remains the same. You’re going to sear the turkey, then simmer it in the pot with your black eyed peas until the beans are tender and the turkey easily pulls away from the bone.

Can This Recipe Be Frozen or Saved for Later?

These black eyed peas can absolutely be frozen to be eaten later. You’ll want to first allow the beans to cool completely. Place the beans (including the liquid) into a freezer container or freezer bag. You may opt to double bag in order to prevent leakage. Double bagging also lengthens the time that they can be stored in the freezer. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag. Don’t forget to label all frozen goods with the date and name of the contents. For optimal freshness I wouldn’t store for longer than 6-7 months. If storing in the refrigerator, discard or freeze after 4 days. 

Optional Additions

For a bit more southern flair and deliciousness you may opt to add some additional vegetables to this recipe. Some complimentary stir-ins include:

• Okra
• Chopped Collard Greens
• Tomatoes

How to Sort Black Eyed Peas

You want to start by quickly sorting through and rinsing your black eyed peas. What you’re looking for is any pieces of dirt, rock, or sediment. Most major manufacturers adhere to modern cleaning and safety standards, however it doesn’t hurt to give your beans a good once-over; it may save you a trip to the dentist! This will also give you the opportunity to toss any discolored, weird-textured, or simply unwanted beans.

Soaking Dried Black Eyed Peas for Cooking

Soaking black eyed peas is a simple process. You’ll need a bowl or container large enough to hold your beans, plus additional room for them to be covered with water. For every 1 pound (2 cups) of beans, you’ll want to use 8 cups of cold, filtered water. Allow the beans to stand overnight, or for at least 6 hours. Finally, drain the water, rinse the beans, and continue with the recipe as usual.

Why Do We Soak Dried Black Eyed Peas

Soaking the black eyed peas serves several purposes:

• Softens the beans
• Reduces the cook time
• Improve the texture of the beans
• Improves digestion (reduces raffinose content)
• Reduces antinutrients. 

What If I Don’t Have Time to Soak My Black Eyed Peas?

If you don’t have time (or simply forget…oops) to soak your black eyed peas, you can use the quick soak method. You’ll still want to sort and rinse your beans. You’re then going to boil the beans in a large pot. For every 1 pound of beans (approximately 2 cups), you’ll add 8 cups of hot water. Bring the contents of the pot to a boil, and boil for about 2 minutes before removing from heat. Place a lid over the pot and allow the beans to stand for an hour. Finally, drain the water, rinse the beans, and continue with the recipe as usual. 

How to Make Black Eyed Peas With Smoked Turkey

• As stated above, start by rinsing and sorting your beans.

• Place your rinsed and sorted beans in a large bowl and cover with water. Allow the beans to soak 6 to 8 hours (or overnight). If needed, utilize the quick soak method above.
• Once your beans have soaked, give them a quick rinse and you’ll be good to go!
• Spray the bottom of a large pot with the cooking oil.
• Over medium high heat, sear all sides of the smoked turkey necks. This is an optional step that releases more flavor.
• Push the smoked turkey to the side, and add the onions. Cook until they just start to become translucent.

• Add the garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
• Add the black eyed peas to the pot and cover with the chicken broth and water. Add the seasonings and stir well.

• Bring the contents of the pot to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid (slightly vented), and allow to simmer for two hours, or until the beans are tender and the turkey easily pulls away from the bone.
• Toward the end of the cook time, stir in the apple cider vinegar.

Tips and Tricks

• As the water cooks down, you may opt to add more depending on how thick you want your pot of beans to be.
• As the water cooks down and concentrates, taste your broth and beans to determine if additional salt needs to be added.
• When the turkey easily pulls away from the bone, you may opt to remove all of the turkey necks, shred the meat, discard the bones, and add the meat back to the pot.
• Remember to remove the bay leaf prior to serving.

Try it out and let me know what you think! When you make it, be sure to snap a pic and tag me on Instagram or Facebook!

Peace,

Adri

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