recipes
SOUTHERN BLACK EYED PEAS
Author: Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes Yield: 6-8 servings
Southern Black Eyed Peas( Hoppin’ John) is classic comfort food that is hearty, delicious, flavorful, and comforting. Serve it on New Year’ s for good luck.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage( ground pork or turkey), cut into ½-inch pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 3 ribs celery, thinly sliced
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 pound dried black eyed peas, soaked overnight
• 8-10 cups chicken broth( depending on the size of the pot)
• 1 teaspoon salt( or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper( or to taste)
• fresh cilantro, chopped( optional, for serving)
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat oil in a 5.5 quart Dutch oven or large pot over medium high heat until the hot oil sizzles, about 1 minute. Add sausage and sauté until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside on a plate.
In the same pot, add onion, garlic, celery, and bay leaves. Sauté until tender, about 3 minutes. Season with Italian seasoning, oregano, cumin, paprika, and tomato paste. Stir well until evenly mixed.
Add soaked black eyed peas along with chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer covered until black eyed peas are tender, about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Return sautéed sausage back to the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and continue simmering uncovered for 10 minutes until thickened a bit.
Serve immediately with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a side of rice or cornbread if desired.
26 GAINESVILLE LIVING