How to Make Black-Eyed Peas in the Slow Cooker

In the south, it’s believed that eating black-eyed peas or Hoppin’ John on New Year’s Day will bring luck and prosperity in the new year. I don’t much believe in old wives tales. I just happen to like Black-Eyed Peas. For me, Black-Eyed Peas are comfort food on a cold winter day.

Add a side of cornbread and I’ve got a complete meal. Of course, you have to throw in some greens (turnip greens are my favorite) and I guess they signify wealth. I don’t know, I just think they taste good.

I’m a morning person, so I get up real early to get the Black Eyed Peas going. They need to cook in the slow cooker for six to eight hours, so it pays to be a morning person.

The jury is still out on whether black-eyed peas need to soak overnight. Yes, this is a thing. Some say no and some say yes. I say do what you want, but when I forget to soak them overnight, I place the peas in a large saucepan and add water to cover by 2 in. Bring to a boil and boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse peas, discarding the liquid. Then proceed to the recipe below.

Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for six-eight hours or until peas are tender. I like mine real tender.

Helpful Hint: I always keep minced garlic in a jar in the fridge. That way, if I don’t have any fresh garlic cloves, I have a trusty standby.

Black Eyed Peas in the Slow Cooker

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Ingredients

• 1 lb. dried black-eyed peas
• 2 smoked ham hocks
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp. creole seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic (OR 3 teaspoons minced garlic in jar)
• 1 carton reduced sodium chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Place peas in a large saucepan; add water to cover by 2 inches.
2. Bring to a boil; boil for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat. Cover and let stand for 1 hour. Drain and rinse peas, discarding liquid; set aside.
3. In a slow cooker, add the peas, broth, onion, garlic, seasonings and ham hocks.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the peas are tender.

Helpful Hint: If you don’t want to take the time to cook the black-eyed peas in the slow cooker, they can be cooked on top of the stove for about 2 hours or until tender.

Do you eat black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day?

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