Southern Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey
Looking for a flavorful Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas recipe packed with bold Creole flavor and tender smoked turkey? This hearty Southern comfort dish is the perfect soul food for New Year’s Day, Sunday dinner, or any cozy night at home. Made with wholesome black-eyed peas, smoky turkey, and aromatic herbs and veggies, it’s a healthy and satisfying one-pot meal!
Ingredients:
1 (16 oz) bag dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
1 smoked turkey leg, wing, or neck
½ yellow onion, chopped
½ red bell pepper, chopped
5 garlic cloves, minced
3 celery stalks, chopped
2 vegetable or chicken bouillon cubes
1 tablespoon Creole seasoning (Tony Chachere’s preferred)
½ tablespoon fresh thyme
10 sprigs fresh thyme (divided)
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Soak black-eyed peas in a large bowl overnight. Drain and rinse thoroughly before cooking.
2. Add the black-eyed peas to your crockpot or slow cooker.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet or Dutch oven. Sear the smoked turkey for about 5 minutes to release its flavor. Remove and set aside.
4. Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, and garlic until softened (about 5 minutes).
5. Stir in the Creole seasoning and bouillon cubes (break them up with your spoon).
6. Return the smoked turkey to the skillet. Add 2 cups of water, stir, and bring to a light boil for 5 minutes.
7. Pour the entire skillet mixture into the slow cooker over the peas.
8. Add 5 more cups of water, bay leaf, and 5 sprigs of fresh thyme.
9. Cover and cook on HIGH for 5–6 hours or LOW for 9–10 hours until peas are tender.
10. One hour before serving, remove the turkey, shred the meat, and return it (along with the bone) to the pot. Top with the remaining 5 thyme sprigs.
Tips & Variations:
For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or smoked paprika.
Want to make Slow Cooker Red Beans and Rice? Use red beans and toss in andouille sausage instead of turkey isame method, same comfort!
Serve over white rice or with a side of cornbread for a traditional Southern soul food meal.
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