Black-Eyed Peas With Smoked Turkey (Print Version)

Tender peas and savory smoked turkey simmered with vegetables in a flavorful broth for a hearty Southern meal.

# 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, optional
13 - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
14 - Salt to taste
15 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

→ Garnish

16 - Chopped fresh parsley, optional
17 - Hot sauce, optional

# How-To Steps:

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 all ingredients.
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 off foam as it rises.
04 - Remove smoked turkey from the pot. Shred meat from bones, discarding skin and bones, and return shredded meat to the pot.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed. Remove bay leaf before serving.
06 - Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and hot sauce if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • A leaner, high-protein take on a traditional Southern favorite.
  • Easy to prepare using simple aromatics and savory smoked turkey.
  • Perfectly suited for Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free diets.
02 -
  • Always rinse and sort your dried peas to remove any debris before starting.
  • Discard the skin and bones of the turkey wing after shredding to keep the dish lean and easy to eat.
  • Check the labels of your broth to ensure it meets your dietary needs, especially regarding gluten.
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