15 Southern Blackeyed Pea Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Apr 9, 2024
The southern blackeyed pea recipe is a staple in many households, especially in the southern region of the United States. This simple yet delicious dish is often served on New Year's Day as it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. But this versatile dish is not just limited to one day, it can be enjoyed all year round. So, let's take a deeper look into this traditional southern recipe and learn how to make it in our own kitchens.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
If you're looking for a classic Southern side dish to pair with your beer can chicken, look no further than Southern cornbread. This recipe is made in a cast iron skillet for that extra crispy, golden crust that is beloved in the South. The best part? It only requires a handful of ingredients and can be made in under an hour.
For a hearty and delicious meal, try this Southern smothered chicken recipe. Tender chicken thighs are cooked in a flavorful gravy with onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a meal that will satisfy all your cravings.
No Southern meal is complete without a side of collard greens. This recipe uses classic Southern flavors like bacon, onion, and apple cider vinegar to create a delicious and slightly tangy dish. It's the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken.
Southern cornbread dressing is a staple at any holiday table in the South. But you don't have to wait for a special occasion to enjoy this delicious side dish. This recipe calls for homemade cornbread, mixed with savory herbs and spices, and baked to perfection. It's the perfect complement to your beer can chicken any time of year.
If you're feeling adventurous, try this Southern smothered oxtails recipe. Oxtails are slow-cooked in a flavorful sauce made with onions, garlic, and spices. The result is a rich and tender dish that will melt in your mouth. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a meal that is sure to impress.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No Southern meal is complete without a batch of homemade biscuits. This recipe creates the perfect flaky and buttery biscuits that will pair perfectly with your beer can chicken. Serve them with a dollop of honey butter for a touch of sweetness.
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food in the South. This recipe takes it to the next level with a creamy and cheesy sauce made with a combination of cheddar, Colby, and Monterey Jack cheeses. It's the ultimate side dish for your beer can chicken.
Looking for a twist on traditional mac and cheese? Try this Southern version that uses a combination of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda for a rich and flavorful dish. It's the perfect complement to your beer can chicken.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with these Southern pecan pie bars. They're made with a buttery shortbread crust and a gooey pecan filling that is sure to please. Serve them alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and indulgent meal.
Take advantage of peach season with this classic Southern peach cobbler recipe. The peaches are cooked in a sweet and buttery sauce and topped with a flaky crust for a dessert that is sure to impress. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect pairing with your beer can chicken.
Another take on Southern collard greens, this recipe uses a combination of bacon, onion, and apple cider vinegar for a tangy and flavorful dish. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a meal that is full of Southern comfort.
Pimento cheese is a beloved spread in the South, and for good reason. This recipe uses a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, mayo, pimentos, and a touch of hot sauce for a creamy and flavorful dip. Serve it with crackers alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious appetizer.
Cabbage is a staple in Southern cooking, and this recipe is a delicious and simple way to prepare it. Sautéed with garlic, onion, and crispy bacon, this cabbage dish is a flavorful and healthy side dish that will pair well with your beer can chicken.
This classic Southern cornbread recipe is a must-have for any beer can chicken meal. It's made with a combination of cornmeal, flour, and a touch of sugar for a slightly sweet and delicious side dish. Serve it with a drizzle of honey for a touch of extra sweetness.
Make your beer can chicken meal extra hearty with this Southern sausage gravy recipe. Made with a creamy and flavorful gravy and served over warm biscuits, this dish is the epitome of Southern comfort food. It's the perfect addition to your beer can chicken feast.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with beer can chicken. This recipe uses a combination of cornmeal, flour, and spices for a crispy and flavorful hush puppy that will have everyone asking for seconds.
This Southern squash casserole is a delicious and easy way to use up any extra squash you may have on hand. It's made with a creamy sauce and topped with a buttery cracker crumb topping. Serve it alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and flavorful meal.
Fried corn is a classic Southern side dish that is sure to be a hit at any meal. This recipe calls for fresh corn kernels, cooked in a skillet with butter and crispy bacon for a tasty and indulgent dish that will pair perfectly with your beer can chicken.
For a taste of the South, try this Southern shrimp and grits recipe. The grits are cooked with shrimp broth for extra flavor and topped with tender and flavorful shrimp. Serve it with your beer can chicken for a meal that will transport you straight to the South.
These Southern baked candied yams are a delicious and sweet side dish that will pair well with your beer can chicken. The yams are baked in a brown sugar and butter mixture for a caramelized and indulgent dish that will satisfy all your cravings.
The Origin of Southern Blackeyed Peas
The History and Significance
The blackeyed pea, also known as cowpea, was brought to the southern region of the United States by African slaves during the 17th and 18th centuries. They quickly adapted the crop to their new environment and it became a staple in their diet. The blackeyed pea was not only a cheap and readily available source of protein, but it also became a symbol of survival and resilience for the African American community.
The New Year's Tradition
The tradition of eating blackeyed peas on New Year's Day is believed to have originated during the Civil War. Legend has it that when Union soldiers raided the Confederate food supplies, they left behind the blackeyed peas, considering them to be food fit only for livestock. The blackeyed peas became a symbol of luck and prosperity for the African American community who had to rely on them for sustenance during hard times.
The Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound of dried blackeyed peas
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 pound of smoked ham hock
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 2 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
1. Start by rinsing the blackeyed peas in a colander and removing any debris or damaged peas.
2. In a large pot, sauté the chopped onions, garlic, and green bell pepper until they are soft and translucent.
3. Add the smoked ham hock to the pot and cook for a few minutes until it starts to brown.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and water, and bring it to a boil.
5. Add the blackeyed peas to the pot and season with salt, black pepper, and hot sauce (if desired).
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the peas simmer for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until they are tender.
7. Serve hot with cornbread or rice.
Variations
While the traditional southern blackeyed pea recipe calls for smoked ham hock, there are many variations that can cater to different dietary preferences. Vegetarians can substitute the ham hock with vegetable broth and add in some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Some also like to add in diced tomatoes or collard greens for added flavor and nutrition.
In conclusion, the southern blackeyed pea recipe is not just a dish, but a part of southern culture and history. It is a delicious and comforting meal that can be enjoyed on any day, but also holds a special significance on New Year's Day. So, why not try making it in your own kitchen and experience a taste of southern tradition? Just be sure to use dried blackeyed peas for that authentic taste and don't forget to serve it with some cornbread or rice for the full southern experience.
