If you’ve ever craved a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug from the South, this Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s soulful, hearty, and packed with layers of flavor that come from smoky turkey, fresh veggies, and that silky, creamy texture you get when some peas are lovingly mashed into the mix. Perfect for cozy family dinners or whenever you want a taste of Southern charm on your plate, this dish hits all the right notes between spice, creaminess, and a touch of heat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each bringing a unique element to the dish—from the smoky depth of the turkey wings to the bright crunch of the fresh vegetables, and of course the creamy texture that black-eyed peas create once cooked perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For that golden sauté base that awakens the flavors.
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and body to the dish.
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped: Gives a fresh, slightly tangy crunch and vibrant color.
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped: Builds subtle earthiness and texture.
- 1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely diced: Brings a gentle spicy kick without overwhelming heat.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: For that unmistakable aromatic punch to deepen the flavor.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuses the stew with a subtle herbaceous warmth.
- 2–3 teaspoons Creole Cajun seasoning: Provides authentic Southern spice and complexity.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Adds a tangy, umami layer that rounds everything off beautifully.
- 1 pound smoked turkey wings or ham hocks: The soul of the dish, imparting a smoky richness that’s simply addictive.
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed: The creamy, tender base and heart of the recipe.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock: Keeps the stew flavorful without overpowering saltiness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped, optional: For a pop of fresh herbal brightness when serving.
How to Make Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat up the olive oil until shimmering. Then add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and jalapeño. Cook these until they soften and become fragrant—this is where the flavor foundation builds, so let these veggies mingle and sweat out their natural sweetness and spice.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook just for about a minute more. Garlic can easily burn and turn bitter, so keep it moving in the pot; its scent should become beautifully aromatic, enhancing every other ingredient.
Step 3: Layer in the Seasoning and Meat
Drop in the bay leaves, Creole Cajun seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce. Then nestle the smoked turkey wings (or ham hocks) right on top. The depth of smoky richness they bring is what turns simple peas into something truly special.
Step 4: Add Peas and Stock
Pour in the rinsed dried black-eyed peas and the low-sodium chicken stock, ensuring everything is just covered. This liquid will become the soul of your creamy stew, so take a moment to appreciate how simple ingredients combine to create magic.
Step 5: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Seal your Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Once the time is up, let the pressure naturally release—this helps the flavors continue to develop and meld beautifully.
Step 6: Shred the Meat and Mash Peas
Remove the smoked meat from the pot and shred it carefully, discarding any bones. Return the tender meat to the peas. To achieve that oh-so-creamy texture, gently mash a portion of the peas directly in the pot—this thickens the broth and adds silky richness without needing cream or dairy.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Cajun spice as you like. The balance here is key—this dish should feel full-bodied and comforting on your palate. Now it’s ready to bring a little taste of Southern hospitality to your table.
How to Serve Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a bright, herby contrast to the smoky, creamy stew. You can also add a small drizzle of hot sauce if you love a little extra heat or a spoonful of tangy pickled onions for a beautiful burst of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with cornbread—whether sweet or savory—offering the perfect accompaniment with its crumbly texture and buttery notes. For a heartier meal, serve alongside collard greens or crispy fried okra to round out a true Southern feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe over fluffy white rice for a warming bowl meal, or spoon it into small cast-iron skillets for a rustic presentation. For a holiday twist, top with a fried egg or incorporate into stuffed bell peppers for a fun, colorful twist that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your black-eyed peas to an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 4 days, making for a convenient and tasty meal ready to go whenever you need some comforting leftovers.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and it will maintain its creamy texture and rich flavor for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave some headspace to allow for expansion.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. A splash of water or chicken stock can help restore its creamy consistency if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving directly from frozen to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried?
You can substitute canned peas, but dried peas give a firmer texture and better flavor depth when cooked slowly with the smoky meat. If using canned, add them near the end and shorten cooking time accordingly.
Is smoked turkey wing the only meat option?
Smoked turkey wings or ham hocks are traditional and bring fantastic flavor, but smoked sausage or even bacon could work for a different twist. Just ensure the meat is smoked to maintain that characteristic Southern taste.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level is moderate due to the jalapeño and Creole seasoning, but you can easily adjust by removing the seeds from the jalapeño or adding more seasoning to suit your preference.
Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Definitely! On the stovetop, simmer everything in a large pot for about 1.5 to 2 hours until peas are tender and the flavors have melded, stirring occasionally.
What if I don’t like mashing some of the peas?
Mashing some of the peas is what gives this dish its signature creamy texture, but if you prefer, you can skip this step and make it more like a broth-based stew—though it won’t be quite as velvety.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that feels both nostalgic and comforting, and this Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe nails that feeling perfectly. It’s reliably delicious, easy to make, and brings that rich Southern soul to your kitchen with every bite. I hope you’ll gather your ingredients, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the magic of creamy, smoky, and perfectly spiced black-eyed peas that feel like home on a plate.
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Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
This Creamy Southern Black Eyed Peas recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish that combines smoky turkey wings with aromatic vegetables and Creole Cajun seasoning. Prepared in an Instant Pot, it delivers a rich, creamy texture by mashing some of the peas, making it a comforting yet nutritious meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- Fresh parsley, chopped, optional
Meat and Peas
- 1 pound smoked turkey wings or ham hocks
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed
Seasonings and Liquids
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2–3 teaspoons Creole Cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
Instructions
- Heat the Instant Pot: Set your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heat the olive oil until shimmering to prepare the base for cooking the aromatics.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, celery, and jalapeño to the pot. Cook these ingredients until they are tender and fragrant, which should take about 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one minute to release its aroma without burning.
- Add Seasonings and Main Ingredients: Incorporate the bay leaves, Creole Cajun seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, smoked turkey wings (or ham hocks), rinsed black-eyed peas, and low-sodium chicken stock. Stir everything to combine evenly.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on high for 35 minutes. Once the cooking cycle completes, allow the pressure to release naturally to ensure the peas and meat are tender.
- Shred the Meat: Carefully remove the smoked turkey wings or ham hocks from the pot. Shred the meat off the bones using forks or your hands, discarding bones, skin, or excess fat as preferred.
- Finish the Dish: Return the shredded meat to the pot. Mash a portion of the black-eyed peas directly in the pot using a spoon or potato masher to create a creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier dish, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add more jalapeños.
- Using smoked turkey wings adds a wonderful depth of flavor; ham hocks are a great alternative if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable stock, adjusting the seasoning accordingly.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and often taste better the next day as flavors meld.
- Serve with cornbread or steamed rice to complete the Southern-style meal.
