Black-Eyed Peas With Smoked Turkey (Print Version)

Tender peas and savory smoked turkey simmered with aromatic vegetables for a hearty, nutritious Southern dish ready in 90 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Legumes and Vegetables

01 - 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 2 celery stalks, chopped
04 - 1 large carrot, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 bay leaf

→ Proteins

07 - 1 pound smoked turkey wings or drumsticks

→ Liquids

08 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
09 - 2 cups water

→ Seasonings

10 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
14 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
15 - Salt to taste

→ Garnish

16 - Chopped fresh parsley
17 - Hot sauce

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, celery, carrot, and minced garlic. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
02 - Add smoked turkey, black-eyed peas, bay leaf, smoked paprika, thyme, red pepper flakes, black pepper, broth, and water to the pot. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
03 - Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes until black-eyed peas are tender and flavors are fully developed. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface as needed.
04 - Remove smoked turkey from the pot and allow to cool slightly. Shred the meat from the bones, discarding skin and bones. Return the shredded meat to the pot.
05 - Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Remove bay leaf before serving.
06 - Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a dash of hot sauce if desired. Serve hot with steamed rice or cornbread.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, so you're not sacrificing flavor for dietary needs.
  • One pot means one cleanup, which honestly matters when you're tired after cooking.
  • The smoked turkey adds lean protein without overpowering the earthiness of the peas themselves.
02 -
  • Don't skip sorting the dried peas—a single hard pea or small stone can chip a tooth and ruin dinner entirely.
  • The peas continue to soften slightly as they cool, so if they feel almost done, they're actually perfect.
  • Smoked paprika is not the same as regular paprika, and substituting will leave you with a less flavorful dish that feels flat.
03 -
  • Make a double batch and freeze portions—this reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld overnight.
  • If your broth is very salty, use water instead of additional broth in the last refill to prevent the dish from becoming too salty as it reduces.
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