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Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon

16 reviews
Test Kitchen Approved
Total Time

Prep: 15 min. + soaking Cook: 40 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Nov. 12, 2023
A real Southern favorite, black-eyed peas are traditionally served on New Year's Day to bring good luck. The bacon and thyme in my mom’s recipe make them extra special. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon
Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon Recipe photo by Taste of Home
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Ingredients

  • 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
  • 1/2 pound bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: Fresh thyme leaves and additional cooked and crumbled bacon

Directions

  1. Rinse and sort black-eyed peas. Place peas and bacon in a Dutch oven; add water to cover. Bring to a boil; boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat; let soak, covered, 1 hour. Do not drain.
  2. In a cast-iron or other heavy skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in thyme.
  3. Stir onion mixture into pea mixture. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, until peas are tender, stirring occasionally, 30-40 minutes. Sprinkle with salt to taste. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme leaves and additional crumbled bacon.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 361 calories, 19g fat (7g saturated fat), 23mg cholesterol, 228mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 11g fiber), 15g protein.