Southern Black Eyed Peas w/Smoked Turkey

If there’s one thing that brings us all together, it’s the love for hearty comfort food. And when it comes to comfort food, Southern cuisine has a special place in my heart. Imagine a warm, flavorful bowl of creamy Southern Style Black Eyed Peas, simmered to perfection. If that’s not enough to tantalize your taste buds, how about a secret twist that takes this classic dish to the next level? Get ready as we uncover the keys to making the perfect Southern Style Black Eyed Peas and even throw in a bonus – mouthwatering cornbread muffins. Yes, you read it right, the ultimate comfort food duo. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Picture this: A bubbling pot filled with velvety, cream-like Black Eyed Peas that have absorbed the essence of smoked turkey and a medley of fresh veggies. The aroma that fills your kitchen is nothing short of heavenly, promising a soul-satisfying meal. As you take your first spoonful, your taste buds awaken to a symphony of flavors – the smokiness of the turkey, the savory notes of Creole seasoning, and the heartiness of perfectly cooked black-eyed peas. Each bite is an invitation to the warmth and comfort that only a classic Southern dish can provide.

But what sets this recipe apart is the secret twist, a revelation that we’ll uncover as we go along. It’s a little trick that will have you savoring every bite, and you’ll wonder how you ever enjoyed Black Eyed Peas without it.

The Promise of a Secret Recipe for Comfort Cravings:

Now, are you ready for the secret? Well, I won’t keep you waiting any longer. The key to achieving that irresistibly creamy texture in your Southern Style Black Eyed Peas is the ingenious use of mashed black-eyed peas! That’s right. As we cook this Southern delicacy, we’ll reserve a portion of the black-eyed peas, mash them to create a rich and creamy base, and then reintroduce them to the pot. It’s a simple yet game-changing technique that transforms this dish into pure comfort cravings.

And that’s not all. I’ve got an extra treat for you. We’ll also reveal how to make delectable cornbread muffins that pair perfectly with your Black Eyed Peas. It’s a match made in Southern food heaven.

Description of the Dish:

Southern Style Black Eyed Peas are a beloved dish deeply rooted in the culinary heritage of the American South. This dish combines earthy and tender black-eyed peas with the smokiness of turkey, the perfect seasoning blend, and the essential trio of onion, green bell pepper, and celery. The secret twist of mashing some peas to create a creamy base elevates it from being just a side dish to a star in its own right.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon of Bacon Grease
1 large White Onion, finely chopped
1 medium Green Bell Pepper, finely chopped
1 stalk of Celery, finely chopped
1 small Jalapeño, seeds discarded and finely diced
6 cloves of Garlic, finely minced
2 Bay Leaves
2–3 teaspoons of Creole Kick, plus more to taste
1 tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce
1 lb. Smoked Turkey Leg
1 lb. (16 ounces) dried Black-Eyed Peas, sorted and rinsed
6 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Stock or Broth
Freshly chopped Parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Guide:

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process. I’ve transcribed the video’s instructions into a detailed guide for your convenience.

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey

Begin by checking the smoked turkey. It should be tender enough to fall off the bone. If it’s not, gently shred the meat from the bone.

Step 2: Create the Base

In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of bacon grease.
Add in the finely chopped white onion, green bell pepper, celery, small jalapeño, and minced garlic.
Add 2 bay leaves and 2-3 teaspoons of Creole Kick seasoning.
Pour 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce.
Sweating the vegetables until they are soft but not translucent, preserving their integrity.
Add a little butter to enhance the flavor.

Step 3: Cooking the Peas

Pour in the prepared and sorted black-eyed peas.
Add the shredded turkey.
Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken stock or broth.
Let everything simmer for about an hour or until the peas are tender.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

Take a small portion of the black-eyed peas and mash them in a separate container.
Add this mashed mixture back to the pot to create a creamy consistency.

Step 5: Adjust the Consistency

Continue to simmer and adjust the thickness to your liking.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Your Southern Style Black Eyed Peas are now ready.
You can garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Expert Tips and Tricks:

Experiment with Creole or Cajun seasoning of your choice to customize the flavor to your preference.
Don’t forget the smoked turkey; it’s the key to achieving that smoky, rich taste.
Mashing a portion of the black-eyed peas creates a delightful creaminess.
Taste your dish as you go and make seasoning adjustments according to your taste.
For an extra kick, serve with your favorite hot sauce.

Variations:

To make it vegetarian, omit the smoked turkey and use vegetable broth.
You can add other seasonings like thyme or paprika to suit your taste.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of vinegar or a pinch of brown sugar.

What to Serve It With:

Southern Style Black Eyed Peas are incredibly versatile. They can be served as a side dish or a main course. Pair them with fluffy cornbread muffins for the perfect Southern comfort food experience.

Storage Tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Southern Style Black Eyed Peas also freeze well, so you can enjoy this comfort food whenever you’re craving a taste of the South.