Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by Carne Diem
Origin: North American, American South
Method: Stovetop
Jump to RecipeThis easy black-eyed peas recipe can by whipped up in under 15 minutes. Jalapeno black eyed peas combined with smoked hog jowl or guanciale in this classic Southern dish.
Table of contents
What are black eyed peas?
Black eyed peas are a legume and member of the cowpea family. These earthy and mildly sweet beans are very popular in the Southern United States.
Why do people eat Black-Eyed Peas and Hog Jowl for New Years
In the south, it is said that pork is considered a symbol of wealth and prosperity and it has become a southern tradition to eat hog jowl with black eyed peas on New Years in order to help ensure a good year.
Making the Jalapeno Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Pork Jowl
To make these Southern Style Black Eyed Peas, you will need a can of Jalapeno Black Eyed peas and some hog jowl or guanciale, and a little garlic. Optionally southern greens like collard greens or Kale can be added to the Black eyed peas.
For this recipe, we smoked our own pork jowl, but by all means find a smoked pork jowl to use for the recipe. Dice up about ¼ pound of the smoked pork jowl, mince a garlic clove, and heat 1 tablespoon of oil, and you are already halfway done. If you have problems sourcing hog jowl you can also use guanciale which you can typically find in your deli. In a pinch you can substitute bacon lardons, or pancetta.
Saute the minced garlic in the oil over medium heat, then add the pork and fry to desired crispiness. We like ours like we like our bacon, slightly crispy, but cook it how you like. It is already cooked through the smoking process so it really only needs to be heated though.
Next reduce the heat to low and stir in a can of Jalapeno Black Eyed Peas. We really like Trappey's but feel free to use your favorite or whatever you have available.
Cover the pot and heat though, then keep warm until ready to serve.
What to serve with Black Eye Peas
This is a simple black-eyed peas recipe that pairs perfectly with a number of other southern comfort foods but we love it alongside the ultimate comfort food: shrimp and grits.
Optionally, serve alongside some of our other favorite Southern recipes:
- Cast Iron New Orleans Barbeque Shrimp
- Blackened Chicken a la Mer
- Cajun Crawfish Po' Boy With Spicy Remoulade
- New Orleans Style Chargrilled Oysters
- Mother's Inspired Double Smoked Black Ham
- Smoked Bacon Pimento Cheese
Enjoy your southern style black eyed peas with a Southern Comfort Blackberry Bramble Style Arnold Palmer and some Smoked Bourbon Maple Pecan Pie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically, smoked pork jowl is served with black eyed peas in the south as it is said to bring good luck for the coming year.
Leftover black eyed peas are best reheated on a stovetop. Bring the peas to a brief boil, then simmer for about 5 minutes.
We hope this recipe brings your family wealth and prosperity this year. Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. If you tried and enjoyed our recipe, please share with others and please leave us a comment and review. We also love to see your pics so don’t forget to tag us @Carne_Diem_Culinary or #CarneDiemBlog. To be notified of future recipes please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest, or sign up for our e-mail notifications. Until next time, Carne Diem!
📖 Recipe
Southern Pork Jowl Black Eyed Peas
Equipment
- Sauce Pan
Ingredients
- ¼ pound Smoked Pork Jowl diced
- 1 Garlic Clove minced
- 1 can Black Eyed Peas with Jalapenos Preferably Trappey's
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat, in a sauce pan, then saute the garlic until lightly browned, typically about 1 minute.
- Stir in the diced pork jowl and fry until the pork is done to your desired crispiness.
- Add in the can of black eyed peas, cover, and cook until evenly warmed through.
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