Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that practically cooks itself? Then look no further! This Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas and Ham recipe is a true Southern classic, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend afternoons. Forget complicated cooking techniques – this recipe is all about letting your slow cooker work its magic, resulting in tender, juicy black-eyed peas infused with the smoky goodness of ham. It's a healthy, delicious, and satisfying dish the whole family will adore. This easy recipe is a great example of homemade cooking at its finest, offering a delicious alternative to quick dinner ideas that often lack flavor and nutrition.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb smoked ham hock, or about 1 cup of diced ham
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step adds depth of flavor to your dish.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the sautéed vegetables to your slow cooker. Add the rinsed and drained black-eyed peas, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, ham hock (or diced ham), thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the black-eyed peas are tender. If using a ham hock, remove it from the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving, shred the meat, and return it to the pot.
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Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper to your liking. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This hearty dish pairs perfectly with cornbread or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious broth.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use bone-in ham hock instead of diced ham. The bone adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the broth.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or corn to customize your dish.
- Make it vegetarian: Omit the ham and add a cup of vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a tablespoon of soy sauce or tamari for extra umami.
- Make it ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare it the night before and let it slow cook all day.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 15-20g
- Fat: 5-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
- Fiber: 10-15g
This Crock Pot Black Eyed Peas and Ham recipe is a simple, delicious, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a wonderful example of how easy it can be to create satisfying and flavorful food recipes using readily available ingredients. Enjoy!