Black-Eyed Peas With Smoked Turkey (Print Version)

Hearty Southern classic featuring tender black-eyed peas and lean smoked turkey, ready in 90 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Legumes and Vegetables

01 - 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
02 - 1 medium onion, chopped
03 - 2 celery stalks, chopped
04 - 1 large carrot, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 bay leaf

→ Meats

07 - 1 pound smoked turkey wings or drumsticks

→ Liquids

08 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
09 - 2 cups water

→ Seasonings

10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
13 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - Salt to taste
15 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Garnish

16 - Chopped fresh parsley
17 - Hot sauce

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, celery, carrot, and garlic, sautéing for 5 to 6 minutes until softened.
02 - Add smoked turkey, black-eyed peas, bay leaf, smoked paprika, thyme, red pepper flakes, black pepper, broth, and water. Stir thoroughly to combine.
03 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 60 to 75 minutes until black-eyed peas are tender and flavors are fully developed. Skim foam as needed during cooking.
04 - Remove smoked turkey from pot. Shred meat from bones, discard skin and bones, and return meat to pot.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Remove bay leaf before serving.
06 - Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and hot sauce if desired. Serve hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • A nutritious, protein-packed version of a Southern staple.
  • Lean smoked turkey adds deep, savory flavor without excess fat.
  • Simple one-pot preparation makes cleanup a breeze.
02 -
  • Always check the labels on your broth to ensure the recipe remains gluten-free and dairy-free.
  • If the peas are not tender after the initial cooking time, continue to simmer in 10-minute increments.
  • Shredding the turkey finely allows for smoky meat in every bite.
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