Black-Eyed Peas With Smoked Turkey (Printable Version)

Tender peas and smoky turkey merge in this hearty Southern classic, ready in just 90 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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:

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

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Lean Protein: Smoked turkey offers a lighter, lower-fat alternative to traditional ham hocks.
  • One-Pot Meal: Simple to prepare with minimal cleanup required.
  • Meal-Prep Friendly: The flavors develop even more as it sits, making it perfect for leftovers.
02 -
  • Allergen Safety: Always double-check broth labels for potential gluten or hidden allergen content.
  • Thickness: For a creamier texture, mash a few spoonfuls of the peas against the side of the pot and stir them back in.
  • Seasoning: Since smoked turkey is naturally salty, wait until the end of the cooking process to add extra salt.
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