If you’re craving a soulful, flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then the Crockpot Black Eye Peas with Ham and Spices Recipe is your new go-to comfort food. Tender black eye peas slowly simmered with savory ham and spiced just right create a hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner or simply want a fuss-free recipe with big flavor, this dish brings together simplicity and rich taste in one crockpot-friendly recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating the rich and comforting flavor of this dish. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s adding depth, tanginess, or a subtle kick of heat, bringing your Crockpot Black Eye Peas with Ham and Spices Recipe to life.
- Dry black eye peas: The star of the show, these peas soak up flavors beautifully while providing hearty texture.
- Ham hock: Offers smoky richness that infuses the peas slowly as they cook.
- Diced ham (optional): Adds extra tender chunks of meaty goodness throughout.
- Diced onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the base flavor.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid base that gently cooks and flavors the peas.
- Water: Dilutes the broth just enough for perfect consistency.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and a slight tang to brighten the stew.
- Apple cider vinegar: Introduces a touch of acidity balancing the richness.
- Tobasco hot sauce: Delivers subtle heat and liveliness; adjust to your spice preference.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the individual flavors.
How to Make Crockpot Black Eye Peas with Ham and Spices Recipe
Step 1: Soak Your Peas Overnight
Start by soaking your dry black eye peas in a large bowl filled with water about two inches above the peas. This soaking process allows the peas to expand and soften, which significantly reduces cooking time and improves texture. Be sure to discard any peas that float to the surface—they’re likely not good for cooking.
Step 2: Drain and Rinse the Peas
The next day, drain the soaking water from the peas and give them a thorough rinse under cold water. This step washes away any residual dirt or impurities and helps ensure a clean, fresh base for your dish.
Step 3: Combine Key Ingredients in the Crockpot
Place your soaked peas, diced onion, diced ham, and ham hock into the crockpot. This combination sets the stage for rich layers of flavor as the ham releases its smokiness and the onions soften into sweetness.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour in the chicken broth and water, followed by Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and Tobasco. These liquids and seasonings combine to create a complex, savory broth that perfectly complements the peas and ham. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste—that final touch makes all the difference.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully while giving the black eye peas a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s impossible to resist. The slow simmer also extracts every bit of flavor from the ham hock.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once your peas are perfectly tender and bursting with flavor, it’s time to dish them out and savor every bite. This recipe turns simple pantry staples into a soul-satisfying dish that feels like it was made with love.
How to Serve Crockpot Black Eye Peas with Ham and Spices Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, consider garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or green onions. These add a fresh, vibrant contrast to the rich peas. A small drizzle of hot sauce on top can also be a wonderful way to customize spice levels at the table.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic Southern sides like cornbread or collard greens. For a more filling meal, serve it over fluffy white rice, which soaks up the flavorful broth and creates a gratifying texture combination.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn these black eye peas into a hearty pot pie filling under a flaky crust or mix them into your favorite grain bowls as a protein-packed base. They also make a fantastic topping for baked sweet potatoes, adding smoky, spicy warmth to each bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Black Eye Peas with Ham and Spices Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even tastier!
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish long after cooking, it freezes beautifully. Portion the peas into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some room for expansion during freezing.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or water during reheating can help restore the original creamy consistency if it thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use canned black eye peas instead of dry?
While you can, dry peas cooked low and slow provide better texture and flavor. Canned peas tend to be softer and less hearty once simmered with ham and spices.
Is it necessary to soak the peas overnight?
Soaking helps reduce cooking time and improve texture, but if you’re in a pinch, you can do a quick soak by boiling peas for 2 minutes and letting them sit for an hour before draining and cooking.
Can I make this recipe without ham?
You could omit the ham, but the smoky richness it adds is a big part of what makes this recipe special. Try adding smoked paprika or liquid smoke for some depth if you want it vegetarian-friendly.
How spicy is this dish with Tobasco included?
The hot sauce provides just a subtle kick to balance the flavors. You can adjust the quantity or omit it depending on your heat preference.
Is Crockpot Black Eye Peas with Ham and Spices Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your Worcestershire sauce since some brands may contain gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Black Eye Peas with Ham and Spices Recipe is a wonderful way to fill your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and create a meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Embrace the slow cooker magic and enjoy a dish that’s equally perfect for casual family dinners or special gatherings. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without adding this recipe to your repertoire!
Print
Crockpot Black Eye Peas with Ham and Spices Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This hearty Crockpot Black Eye Peas recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender black eye peas slow-cooked with ham hock, diced ham, onions, and a savory blend of spices and sauces. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal that delivers classic Southern flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Black Eye Peas and Meat
- 1 pound dry black eye peas
- 1 ham hock
- 1 ½ cup diced ham (optional)
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3–5 dashes Tobasco hot sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Soak the Peas: Soak your black eye peas overnight in enough water to cover them by about two inches. This helps them expand and ensures even cooking. Discard any peas that float to the surface.
- Drain and Rinse: The next day, drain the soaked peas and rinse them thoroughly to clean off any residue.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the diced onions, soaked peas, diced ham, and ham hock into your crockpot.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, water, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, Tobasco hot sauce, then season with salt and pepper. Stir everything to combine well.
- Cook: Cover your crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours until the peas are tender and flavors have melded together.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the ham hock if you prefer, and serve the black eye peas hot. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Notes
- Soaking the peas overnight significantly reduces cooking time and improves texture.
- Adjust the amount of Tobasco hot sauce to your preferred heat level.
- The ham hock adds rich smoky flavor but can be omitted for a lighter version.
- If you don’t have a crockpot, you can cook the peas on low heat in a heavy pot for 2-3 hours.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and freeze nicely.
