If there’s one dish that captures the essence of comfort food with a touch of Southern tradition, it’s Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon. This dish is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of flavors, memories, and the slow-cooked warmth that makes gatherings special. Growing up in the South, black-eyed peas were a staple on our dinner table, especially on New Year’s Day for good luck. The blend of savory bacon, tender peas, and a rich, aromatic broth evokes a sense of home and family that transcends generations.
Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is a fantastic choice. It’s effortlessly delicious, and the slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to focus on enjoying the process and the results. Let’s dive into how you can make this comforting classic from scratch.
Ingredients
1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth or water
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into pieces
8 ounces of diced ham
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Prepare the Black-Eyed Peas
Sort and Rinse: Begin by sorting through the dried black-eyed peas to remove any debris or stones. Rinse them thoroughly under cold water to clean them. This step ensures that your peas are clean and free of impurities.
2. Assemble the Slow Cooker Ingredients
Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of a slow cooker, add the rinsed black-eyed peas, diced onion, minced garlic, bay leaf, smoked paprika, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). These ingredients form the base of the stew, providing rich flavors and aromas.
Add Liquid: Pour in the chicken broth or water. The liquid will cook the peas and create a flavorful broth. If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
3. Cook the Bacon
Fry the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until they are crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and drain it on paper towels. Reserve about a tablespoon of the bacon grease.
Add Bacon to Slow Cooker: Transfer the crispy bacon and the reserved bacon grease to the slow cooker with the other ingredients. The bacon grease adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
4. Add Ham
Incorporate Ham: Add the diced ham to the slow cooker. The ham complements the bacon, adding additional richness and a hearty texture to the dish.
5. Slow Cook the Dish
Cook on High or Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 6-7 hours or on low for 10-12 hours. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in tender peas and a flavorful broth.
Check for Doneness: The black-eyed peas should be tender and creamy, and the flavors should be well developed. If the peas are still firm, continue cooking until they reach the desired tenderness.
6. Final Touches
Season to Taste: Once the peas are cooked, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Remove the bay leaf from the slow cooker before serving.
Garnish: If desired, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and a hint of freshness.
Variations and Tips
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and ham. Use liquid smoke and vegetable broth to impart a smoky flavor. Adding additional vegetables like bell peppers or celery can enhance the dish.
Extra Vegetables: To make the dish even heartier, consider adding bell peppers, celery, or carrots. These can be diced and added to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
Faster Preparation: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked or canned black-eyed peas. Just reduce the cooking time significantly, as they only need to be heated through and combined with the other flavors.
Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4-5 days or frozen for up to 6 months. To reheat, simply thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth if needed to loosen the consistency.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon is more than just a meal; it’s a heartwarming dish that brings a touch of Southern hospitality to your table. The combination of tender black-eyed peas, crispy bacon, and savory ham creates a rich and satisfying stew that’s perfect for any occasion. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the hands-off cooking method that allows you to enjoy a comforting meal with minimal effort.
Whether you’re celebrating New Year’s Day, hosting a family dinner, or just craving a hearty dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The slow cooker does all the hard work, transforming basic ingredients into a delicious, comforting stew that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy the flavors, the warmth, and the joy that comes with serving this classic Southern dish.
