Southern Black Eyed Peas (Printer-Friendly)

Tender black eyed peas slowly cooked with bacon, garlic, onion, and seasoned spices for rich, comforting flavors.

# The Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Pork

01 - 12 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced into 1/2-inch pieces

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

02 - 1 small sweet onion, diced
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Spices and Seasonings

04 - 2 teaspoons seasoned salt
05 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
08 - 1 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

→ Legumes

10 - 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and drained

→ Liquids

11 - 4 cups unsalted chicken stock

→ Herbs

12 - 2 dried bay leaves

→ Fats

13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a large Dutch oven over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy, approximately 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bacon and drain on paper towels, reserving drippings in the pot.
02 - Add diced sweet onion to the bacon drippings in the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 10 minutes, stirring intermittently.
03 - Incorporate minced garlic into the onions and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
04 - Stir in seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook the mixture for an additional 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
05 - Add soaked and drained black-eyed peas, unsalted chicken stock, and dried bay leaves to the pot. Stir to combine thoroughly.
06 - Bring contents to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 60 to 90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until peas are tender.
07 - Remove bay leaves, stir in unsalted butter until melted. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
08 - Plate the black-eyed peas and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon on top.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Soak dried black-eyed peas overnight for best texture, or use a quick soak method if short on time.
02 - Remove any debris or small stones from dried peas before cooking to ensure quality.
03 - This dish freezes well; cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.

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