There’s something truly special about a steaming bowl of *ham and black-eyed peas* simmering away in the crock pot. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a chilly day, a reminder of family gatherings and the comfort of Southern hospitality. I remember the first time I had this dish at my grandmother’s house. The aroma filled the air, and as we gathered around the table, I knew I was in for something special. The savory ham paired with the earthy black-eyed peas creates a hearty, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up! Just toss everything in your crock pot, and let it do the magic. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients for Ham and Black Eyed Peas Crock Pot
- 2 cups black-eyed peas, dried – Make sure to rinse these well and soak them overnight for the best texture.
- 1 lb ham, diced – I love using a smoked ham for that extra depth of flavor, but any diced ham will work beautifully!
- 1 onion, chopped – This adds a wonderful sweetness to the dish as it cooks down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Don’t skimp on the garlic; it brings an irresistible aroma and flavor!
- 4 cups chicken broth – You can use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake; it’s a great way to control the flavor.
- 1 tsp black pepper – For just the right kick! Adjust to your taste, of course.
- 1 tsp salt – Always taste before adding more, especially since ham can be salty.
- 1 tsp thyme – This herb adds a lovely earthy note that complements the peas perfectly.
- 2 bay leaves – These are a must for enhancing the overall flavor. Just remember to fish them out before serving!
How to Prepare Ham and Black Eyed Peas Crock Pot
Getting this scrumptious ham and black-eyed peas dish ready is a breeze! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a hearty meal waiting for you at the end of the day. Ready? Let’s go!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, rinse those black-eyed peas under cool water to get rid of any grit. Then, soak them overnight in a bowl of water. This is key for making sure they cook up tender in the crock pot.
- Once those peas have soaked, grab your crock pot and combine the soaked peas, diced ham, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chicken broth. This is where the magic begins!
- Next, sprinkle in the black pepper, salt, thyme, and toss in the bay leaves. Give everything a good stir to mix it up nicely.
- Now, cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the peas are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Finally, don’t forget to fish out those bay leaves before serving. They’ve done their job, and it’s time for you to enjoy this delightful dish!
Tips for Success with Ham and Black Eyed Peas Crock Pot
To ensure your ham and black-eyed peas turn out perfect every time, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, make sure to soak those peas overnight—this step helps them cook evenly and become tender. If you’re short on time, you can do a quick soak by boiling them for 2 minutes and then letting them sit for an hour. Also, don’t hesitate to taste the dish before serving; you might want to adjust the seasoning just a bit to suit your palate. And if you love a bit of spice, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a kick! Lastly, this dish tastes even better the next day, so don’t shy away from making a double batch. Enjoy the leftovers—they’re a real treat!
Nutritional Information for Ham and Black Eyed Peas Crock Pot
When it comes to comfort food, this ham and black-eyed peas crock pot dish not only warms your soul but also packs a nutritious punch! A typical serving size of 1 cup contains approximately 250 calories, 6g of fat, and a hearty 18g of protein. Plus, it delivers about 35g of carbohydrates and an impressive 10g of fiber, making it a filling meal. With only 800mg of sodium, it’s a great option for those watching their salt intake. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but you can feel good about enjoying this hearty dish!
Why You’ll Love This Ham and Black Eyed Peas Crock Pot Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Set it and forget it! The crock pot does all the work for you.
- Rich in flavor with tender black-eyed peas and savory ham.
- Great for meal prep; it tastes even better the next day!
- Nutritious and filling, packed with protein and fiber.
- Simple ingredients make it easy to whip up on a busy day.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Each ingredient in this ham and black-eyed peas crock pot recipe plays a vital role in building flavor and texture. If you can’t find black-eyed peas, feel free to swap in another type of dried bean, like navy or pinto, but keep in mind that cooking times may vary. For ham, any diced ham will work, but smoked ham adds a delightful richness. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, you can omit the ham entirely and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Additionally, for a touch of sweetness, try adding a diced carrot or two with the onion and garlic. These small changes can still deliver a deliciously hearty meal!
FAQ About Ham and Black Eyed Peas Crock Pot
Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead of dried? Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, you can use canned black-eyed peas. Just rinse and drain them, and add them to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking. This way, they’ll heat through without getting mushy.
How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dish tastes even better the next day, so don’t hesitate to enjoy those flavors!
Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze ham and black-eyed peas! Just let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What should I serve with this dish? Cornbread is a classic pairing, but you can also serve it with rice or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Trust me, it’s all about that comforting combination!
Can I make this vegetarian? You sure can! Just skip the ham and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian option. You won’t miss the meat with all those hearty flavors!
Imprimer
Ham and Black Eyed Peas Crock Pot: 5 Comforting Secrets
- Temps Total: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
A hearty dish featuring ham and black-eyed peas cooked slowly in a crock pot.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups black-eyed peas, dried
- 1 lb ham, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Rinse the black-eyed peas and soak them overnight.
- In the crock pot, combine soaked peas, ham, onion, garlic, chicken broth, black pepper, salt, thyme, and bay leaves.
- Stir the mixture well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until peas are tender.
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
Notes
- This dish is great for leftovers.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Serve with cornbread for a complete meal.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 8 hours
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sucre: 1g
- De Sodium: 800mg
- La graisse: 6g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 35g
- La fibre: 10g
- La protéine: 18g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: ham and black eyed peas crock pot
