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Savory Honey Bourbon Black-Eyed Peas with Ham

honey bourbon black-eyed peas - featured image
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A comforting Southern holiday dish featuring smoky ham, creamy black-eyed peas, and a sweet, tangy honey bourbon glaze. Perfect for festive gatherings or cozy family dinners, this recipe is hearty, flavorful, and easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups dried black-eyed peas (about 14 oz)
  • 1 smoked ham hock or 2 cups diced smoked ham
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Thinly sliced green onions (for serving)
  • Hot sauce, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse dried black-eyed peas in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water. Pick out any stones or debris. Chop smoked ham into bite-size pieces if not using a whole ham hock.
  2. Heat unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  3. Pour in chicken broth. Add rinsed peas, smoked ham/hock, bay leaf, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir to combine.
  4. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally. Check at 45 minutes; peas should be tender but not mushy. Add more broth or water if needed.
  5. While peas simmer, combine bourbon, honey, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar (if using), and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring constantly until slightly thickened and syrupy.
  6. Remove ham hock (if used), shred any meat, and return it to the pot. Pour honey bourbon glaze over black-eyed peas and stir gently to coat. Let everything simmer together for 5-10 minutes.
  7. Stir in chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired. Ladle into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions.

Notes

For vegetarian, skip ham and use smoked paprika plus sautéed mushrooms. For gluten-free, use certified gluten-free broth. If using canned peas, reduce simmer time to 20 minutes. Adjust seasoning at the end for best flavor. Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: black-eyed peas, ham, honey bourbon, Southern comfort food, holiday recipe, New Year's, Christmas, gluten-free, easy dinner, potluck

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/savory-honey-bourbon-black-eyed-peas-with-ham-best-holiday-comfort-recipe/