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November 5, 2024
Black eyed peas and ham hocks are a classic Southern dish that is packed with flavor and comfort. This dish is perfect for a family gathering or a cozy night at home. The combination of the tender black eyed peas and smoky ham hocks creates a delicious and hearty meal that will warm your soul.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound dried black eyed peas
– 2 ham hocks
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
To start, rinse the black eyed peas under cold water and remove any debris or discolored peas. In a large pot, add the black eyed peas, ham hocks, chopped onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once the mixture is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
After simmering, remove the ham hocks from the pot and let them cool slightly. Remove the meat from the hocks and chop it into small pieces. Return the chopped meat to the pot.
Continue to simmer the peas for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until they reach your desired consistency. Add more chicken broth if needed to keep the peas moist.
Once the black eyed peas are done, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with cornbread or rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
This recipe for black eyed peas and ham hocks is sure to become a favorite in your home. The smoky flavor of the ham hocks combined with the creamy texture of the black eyed peas create a dish that is full of comfort and is perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a delicious Southern meal!
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Black Eyed Peas and Ham Hocks
Black eyed peas and ham hocks is a classic Southern dish that is hearty and full of flavor. The combination of tender beans and smoky ham hocks creates a dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this step-by-step guide will help you make delicious black eyed peas and ham hocks.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound dried black eyed peas
- 2 ham hocks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Prep the Black Eyed Peas
Start by rinsing the dried black eyed peas under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. Then, place the peas in a large bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 6 hours to soften.
Step 2: Cook the Ham Hocks
In a large pot, add the ham hocks and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the ham hocks simmer for about 1 hour or until they are tender and falling off the bone.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a separate pan, heat some oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan and sauté them until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
Once the ham hocks are tender, remove them from the pot and set them aside to cool. Drain the black eyed peas and add them to the pot with the cooking liquid. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.
Step 5: Simmer the Peas
Return the pot to the stove and bring the liquid to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the black eyed peas simmer for about 1 hour or until they are tender. Stir occasionally and add more water if needed.
Step 6: Shred the Ham Hocks
While the black eyed peas are simmering, take the cooled ham hocks and remove the meat from the bones. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and discard any excess fat or skin.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the black eyed peas are tender, remove the bay leaf and stir in the shredded ham hock meat. Serve the black eyed peas and ham hocks over rice or with a side of cornbread. Enjoy your delicious Southern meal!
Note: This recipe can easily be adjusted to your taste preferences. Feel free to add other seasonings or vegetables, such as celery or bell pepper, to customize the flavors.
Now that you know how to cook black eyed peas and ham hocks, you can enjoy this classic Southern dish anytime!
Soak the black eyed peas overnight
In order to ensure that your black eyed peas cook evenly and thoroughly, it is important to soak them overnight before cooking. This will help to soften the peas and reduce their cooking time.
Step 1: Rinse the peas
Start by placing the black eyed peas in a colander and rinsing them under cold water. Remove any debris or impurities that may be present.
Step 2: Soak the peas
Once the black eyed peas are rinsed, transfer them to a large bowl. Add enough water to cover the peas completely, ensuring that there is ample water for them to expand.
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let the peas soak overnight at room temperature. This will help to soften the peas and make them easier to cook.
After soaking overnight, drain the peas and they are ready to be cooked.
Prepare the ham hocks
Before cooking the black-eyed peas with ham hocks, it is important to prepare the ham hocks properly. Ham hocks are a flavorful cut of meat from the pig’s leg that adds a rich and smoky taste to the dish. Follow these steps to prepare the ham hocks:
1. Soak the ham hocks
Place the ham hocks in a large bowl or pot and cover them with cold water. Let them soak for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This step helps to remove excess salt from the ham hocks.
2. Rinse the ham hocks
After soaking, drain the water from the bowl or pot. Rinse the ham hocks with fresh water to remove any remaining salt or impurities.
3. Trim excess fat
Using a sharp knife, trim any excess fat from the ham hocks. Leave a thin layer of fat intact to add flavor to the dish.
4. Score the ham hocks
To enhance the flavor and allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat, use a knife to make shallow cuts or score the surface of the ham hocks on all sides.
5. Boil the ham hocks
In a large pot, add enough water to cover the ham hocks. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook the ham hocks for about 1-2 hours or until they are tender and the meat starts falling off the bone.
Once the ham hocks are prepared, they are ready to be used in your black-eyed peas recipe. The cooked ham hocks will infuse the dish with their smoky and savory flavors, making it a delicious and hearty meal.
Cook the ham hocks and black eyed peas together
One of the best ways to ensure that your black eyed peas and ham hocks have a rich and flavorful taste is to cook them together. This allows the flavors to meld and creates a delicious and comforting dish.
To start, you will need to gather your ingredients:
| Ingredients: |
|---|
| 2 ham hocks |
| 2 cups dried black eyed peas |
| 1 onion, diced |
| 4 cloves of garlic, minced |
| 2 bay leaves |
| 1 teaspoon dried thyme |
| Salt and pepper to taste |
Once you have your ingredients ready, follow these steps:
- Begin by rinsing the black eyed peas under cold water. Make sure to remove any debris or stones.
- In a large pot, combine the black eyed peas, ham hocks, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Add enough water to completely cover the ingredients by at least an inch.
- Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. The peas should be tender and the ham hocks should be falling off the bone.
- While cooking, periodically skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
- Once the peas and ham hocks are done cooking, remove the bay leaves and discard them.
- Using tongs or a fork, remove the ham hocks from the pot and transfer them to a cutting board.
- Allow the ham hocks to cool slightly, then remove the meat from the bones and chop it into small pieces.
- Return the chopped ham hock meat to the pot with the black eyed peas and stir to combine.
- Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Now you know how to cook ham hocks and black eyed peas together to create a hearty and satisfying dish. This recipe is perfect for a comforting meal on a cold day or for a special occasion. The flavors of the ham hocks and black eyed peas complement each other perfectly, making it a dish that is sure to be a hit with friends and family.
Add vegetables and seasonings
Once the black-eyed peas and ham hocks have cooked for about 1 hour, it’s time to add the vegetables and seasonings. This will give the dish a delicious and flavorful taste.
Start by adding chopped onions, celery, and bell peppers to the pot. These vegetables will add a savory and aromatic element to the black-eyed peas.
Next, add minced garlic and bay leaves for additional flavor. The garlic will add a rich and robust taste, while the bay leaves will add a subtle earthy note.
Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and any other desired seasonings, such as paprika or thyme. This will enhance the flavors of the black-eyed peas and ham hocks.
Stir all the vegetables and seasonings together, making sure they are well incorporated with the black-eyed peas and ham hocks.
Continue to cook the dish for another 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
| Ingredients |
| – Chopped onions |
| – Chopped celery |
| – Chopped bell peppers |
| – Minced garlic |
| – Bay leaves |
| – Salt |
| – Black pepper |
| – Additional seasonings (optional) |
Q&A
Can I use canned black eyed peas instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use canned black eyed peas instead of dried ones. However, the cooking time will be significantly reduced as canned peas are already cooked. Just be sure to drain and rinse the canned peas before using them in the recipe.
How long does it take to cook black eyed peas and ham hocks?
The cooking time for black eyed peas and ham hocks can vary, but it typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. This includes the soaking time for the dried peas, which is usually recommended overnight. Once soaked, the peas and ham hocks need to be simmered until they are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Can I substitute ham hocks with other types of meat?
Yes, you can substitute ham hocks with other types of meat if you prefer. Some popular alternatives include smoked turkey legs or wings, bacon, or even sausage. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the dish may vary depending on the meat you choose.
What can I serve with black eyed peas and ham hocks?
Black eyed peas and ham hocks are often served as a main dish, but they can also be served as a side dish or part of a larger meal. They pair well with cornbread, rice, or collard greens. You can also serve them with a side of hot sauce or vinegar for added flavor.
What are black eyed peas and ham hocks?
Black eyed peas are a type of legume that are commonly used in Southern cuisine. They are small, white beans with a black spot on the inner curve. Ham hocks are the lower part of a pig’s leg, and they are used to add flavor and richness to dishes like soups and stews.