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Grandmas Black Eyed Peas

My Grandma's Black Eyed Peas

This is my grandma's recipe for black eyed peas. She made these every New Year's Day and swore they brought good luck for the year. The ham hocks give it that deep smoky flavor and the pot likker is so good you'll want to drink it straight.
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Soaking Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 10 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried black eyed peas picked through and rinsed
  • 2 ham hocks or 1 ham bone or 1 smoked turkey leg
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 medium onion diced (~1 cup)
  • 2/3 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 jalapeño seeds removed and minced (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp cajun seasoning optional
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Soak black eyed peas in water for 8 hours or overnight. Drain and rinse.
  • Add ham hocks, chicken broth, and water to large pot. Simmer covered 45-60 minutes until broth browns.
  • Add drained peas, diced onion, garlic powder, jalapeño, and cajun seasoning. Return to simmer.
  • Cover and cook 1 hour 15 minutes until peas are creamy but hold shape.
  • Optional: Mash 1 cup peas and stir back in to thicken.
  • Remove ham hocks, shred meat, discard bones. Return meat to pot.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot with cornbread.