If you’re craving a soulful dish that warms your heart and delivers a delightful array of flavors, this Black-Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey Recipe is exactly what you need. Rich with smoky, savory notes from tender smoked turkey, balanced by hearty black-eyed peas and a vibrant mix of aromatic vegetables, this dish is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting tradition on a plate. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply seeking a nourishing dinner, these black-eyed peas simmered to perfection offer a perfect blend of nourishment and nostalgia that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first exciting step toward creating this soulful dish. Each simple component plays a vital role, from infusing smoky depth to bringing fresh, crisp textures and vibrant color to your pot.
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas: They’re the star of the show, providing a creamy texture and earthy taste once cooked.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and forms the flavorful base.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Brings a subtle crunch and aromatic lift.
- 1 large carrot, diced: Offers natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a punch of savory depth and warmth.
- 1 bay leaf: Infuses the dish with a subtle herbal fragrance.
- 1 pound smoked turkey wings or drumsticks: The heart of the recipe, infusing smoky richness and tender meat.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: Provides a savory and well-rounded cooking liquid.
- 2 cups water: Balances the broth for the perfect cooking consistency.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances the smoky depth and adds a warm color.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds earthy, slightly minty flavor notes.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick of heat for spice lovers.
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Brings sharpness and bold bite.
- Salt to taste: Essential for rounding out all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding a smooth richness.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh, herbaceous notes.
- Hot sauce: Optional but highly recommended for those who enjoy a little fiery contrast.
How to Make Black-Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, celery, carrot, and minced garlic. Sauté these for about 5 to 6 minutes, until the vegetables soften and release their tempting aromas. This foundational step builds layers of flavor that will carry through the entire dish.
Step 2: Combine ingredients in the pot
Next, add your star protein—the smoked turkey wings or drumsticks—right into the pot along with rinsed black-eyed peas, the bay leaf, smoked paprika, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes if using, freshly ground black pepper, chicken or vegetable broth, and water. Gently stir everything together, making sure the ingredients are well combined. This blend of spices and liquids creates a rich, inviting cooking environment for the peas.
Step 3: Simmer the peas
Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Allow the peas to cook, uncovered, for 60 to 75 minutes. This slow simmer tenderizes the peas perfectly and invites the flavors to meld into a comforting harmony. Don’t forget to skim any foam that surfaces occasionally to keep your broth clear and flavorful.
Step 4: Shred and return the turkey meat
Once the peas are tender and the turkey smells irresistibly smoky, carefully remove the turkey pieces from the pot. Let them cool just enough to handle, then shred the meat away from the bones and discard the skin and bones. Toss the shredded turkey back into the pot, stirring it through the perfectly cooked peas.
Step 5: Adjust seasoning and finish
At this point, taste your creation and add salt as needed to bring out all the layered flavors. Remove and discard the bay leaf to avoid any bitterness. Your Black-Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey Recipe is ready to be savored!
How to Serve Black-Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is an absolute must for garnishing—it adds a refreshing pop of color and a mild herbal note that enlivens each spoonful. For those who love a little heat, a dash of hot sauce uplifts the smoky, savory profile with a zing that wakes up the palate wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or cornbread, which soak up the delicious broth. For a well-rounded meal, consider serving with collard greens or a crisp green salad to introduce fresh, contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Black-Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey Recipe in rustic bowls topped with an extra sprinkle of parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant touch. Or, for festive gatherings, present it in a large communal pot where friends and family can serve themselves—nothing brings people together like sharing a pot of soul food lovingly prepared.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, they will remain delicious for up to 4 days, making it easy to enjoy this comforting dish again without any extra effort.
Freezing
If you want to keep the magic of Black-Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey Recipe for longer, freeze portions in sealed containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. The dish freezes well and can be kept for up to 3 months without losing its luscious flavor or texture.
Reheating
For reheating, gently warm the peas and turkey over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of water or broth if the mixture feels too thick. This method helps preserve the creamy texture and smoky essence. A quick zap in the microwave works too—just stir halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, canned black-eyed peas make a convenient alternative. Add them later in the cooking process—about 10 to 15 minutes before serving—since they’re already cooked. This ensures they don’t become mushy.
What if I don’t have smoked turkey?
No worries! You can substitute smoked sausage, ham hocks, or even bacon to achieve a similar smoky flavor. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and watch for salt levels since smoked meats can vary in saltiness.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes optional for those who enjoy a bit of heat, but it’s easy to leave them out if you prefer mild flavors. You can always add hot sauce on the side to control spice levels at the table.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Skip the smoked turkey and increase the broth with vegetable stock. Add smoked paprika and liquid smoke to boost that savory, smoky profile, ensuring the dish remains delicious without meat.
How long do black-eyed peas take to cook?
Dried black-eyed peas typically take around 60 to 75 minutes to become tender when simmered. Soaking them beforehand can reduce cooking time, but it’s not required for this recipe since the slow simmer infuses plenty of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Black-Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey Recipe. It’s a comforting bowl full of history, flavor, and love—perfect for any day you want to feel cozy and satisfied. I encourage you to dive into this experience and make it your own. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to dishes to warm your soul and your kitchen.
Print
Black-Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This hearty Black-Eyed Peas With Smoked Turkey recipe features tender black-eyed peas simmered with smoky turkey wings, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of savory spices. Perfect as a comforting southern-style dish, it’s enriched with fresh herbs and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes and hot sauce for a flavorful and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Black-Eyed Peas and Broth
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 cups water
Aromatics and Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
Seasonings and Spices
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
Protein and Garnishes
- 1 pound smoked turkey wings or drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Hot sauce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, celery, carrot, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
- Combine ingredients: Add the smoked turkey wings or drumsticks, rinsed black-eyed peas, bay leaf, smoked paprika, dried thyme, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), freshly ground black pepper, chicken or vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Simmer peas: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the peas to simmer uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes, or until the black-eyed peas are tender and the flavors have melded. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface during cooking.
- Shred turkey: Carefully remove the smoked turkey pieces from the pot. Using forks or your hands, shred the meat away from the bones and discard the skin and bones. Return the shredded turkey meat to the pot.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the stew and season with salt as needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
- Serve: Ladle the black-eyed peas and turkey into bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and add hot sauce if desired for an extra kick. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish.
Notes
- Soaking black-eyed peas overnight can reduce cooking time but is optional for this recipe.
- Use smoked turkey wings or drumsticks for deep, smoky flavor; alternatives include smoked ham hocks.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes and hot sauce amounts to control spiciness.
- Skim foam during simmering to achieve a clearer broth and avoid bitterness.
- Leftovers reheat well and flavors often improve the next day.
