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Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon

This slow-cooked, Southern-style dish is comfort in a bowl. Smoky bacon, hearty black-eyed peas, tender ham, and savory aromatics come together effortlessly in the slow cooker. It’s a soul-warming, budget-friendly meal perfect for winter nights — or any time you need a little extra luck and comfort.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Course Comfort Food, High Fiber, Main Course, Slow Cooker, Southern
Cuisine Southern American
Servings 6
Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb dried black-eyed peas rinsed and sorted
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 1 tbsp reserved bacon drippings
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Rinse and sort the black-eyed peas, removing any debris or shriveled pieces. Drain well.
  • In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Reserve 1 tbsp of the drippings. Drain bacon on paper towels.
  • Add peas, diced onion, garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, bay leaf, and cayenne (if using) to the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth to cover.
  • Stir in cooked bacon, diced ham, and the reserved bacon fat.
  • Cover and cook on high for 6–7 hours or low for 10–12 hours, until peas are tender and broth thickens slightly.
  • Remove bay leaf, taste, and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot with cornbread, rice, or sautéed greens.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit bacon and ham, use vegetable broth, and add a dash of liquid smoke. Stir in diced tomatoes at the end for extra tang.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcal
Keyword bacon, Black-Eyed Peas, crockpot, hearty stew, New Year's
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