Smoked Turkey Black-Eyed Peas

Smoked Turkey Black-Eyed Peas is a medium Southern (American) recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Maple Jubilee on YouTube.

Prep: 8 hrs 15 min | Cook: 1 hr 48 min | Total: 10 hrs 23 min

Cost: $8.74 total, $2.18 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 pound Black-Eyed Peas (dry peas, soaked overnight in cold water and rinsed)
  • 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (diced)
  • 0.5 medium Yellow Onion (diced (use half of a medium onion))
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for sautéing)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for sautéing)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Pepper Seasoning (secret ingredient from family recipe)
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
  • 2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base (dissolved in 4 cups water to make broth)
  • 4 cups Water (for broth)
  • 1 pound Smoked Turkey Wings (bone‑in; skin removed and meat shredded after cooking)

Instructions

  1. Soak the peas

    Place the dry black‑eyed peas in a bowl, cover with cold water, and refrigerate overnight (about 8 hours).

    Time: PT8H

    Temperature: 4°C

  2. Drain and rinse

    Drain the soaked peas in a colander and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Prep the vegetables

    Dice the green bell pepper, dice half of the medium yellow onion, and mince the three garlic cloves.

    Time: PT10M

  4. Heat butter and oil

    Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp olive oil to the Dutch oven over medium heat; let the butter melt.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Sauté onion and bell pepper

    Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the pot and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Add garlic

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

    Time: PT30S

  7. Add peas

    Add the drained black‑eyed peas to the pot and stir to combine with the aromatics.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Season the mixture

    Season with 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Stir well.

    Time: PT1M

  9. Add broth

    Dissolve the Better Than Bouillon chicken base in 4 cups hot water, then pour the broth into the pot.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Add smoked turkey wings

    Place 1 pound of smoked turkey wings into the pot, submerging them in the liquid.

    Time: PT1M

  11. Bring to boil then simmer

    Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce to a low simmer.

    Time: PT5M

  12. Simmer the peas and turkey

    Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 90 minutes, flipping the turkey wings halfway through (around the 45‑minute mark) and stirring occasionally.

    Time: PT1H30M

  13. Shred the turkey

    Remove the turkey wings, peel off the skin, and shred the meat using two forks.

    Time: PT10M

  14. Thicken the peas

    Using the back of a spoon, mash a portion of the black‑eyed peas against the side of the pot to release starches and thicken the broth.

    Time: PT5M

  15. Finish the dish

    Return the shredded turkey to the pot, stir, and simmer uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to reduce the liquid and meld flavors.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
10 g
Fiber
6 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Low-Sugar, Nut-Free

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 11, 2026

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Smoked Turkey Black-Eyed Peas

Recipe by Maple Jubilee

A hearty Southern one‑pot meal of black‑eyed peas simmered with smoked turkey wings, aromatic veggies, and a secret lemon‑pepper seasoning passed down through generations.

MediumSouthern (American)Serves 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8h 37m
Prep
1h 47m
Cook
1h 15m
Cleanup
11h 39m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.74
Total cost
$2.18
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Soaking the black‑eyed peas overnight
  • Sautéing onion, bell pepper, and garlic to build flavor
  • Adding the secret lemon pepper seasoning
  • Simmering peas with smoked turkey wings for 90 minutes
  • Shredding the smoked turkey after cooking
  • Mashing some peas to naturally thicken the stew

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot oil and boiling broth with care to avoid burns.
  • Ensure smoked turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Smoked Turkey Black-Eyed Peas in Southern American cuisine?

A

Black‑eyed peas are a staple of Southern comfort food, traditionally eaten on New Year's Day for good luck. Adding smoked turkey reflects the region’s love of smoked meats and ties the dish to historic soul‑food gatherings where leftovers were transformed into hearty stews.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of black‑eyed peas in Southern cuisine?

A

In the Deep South, black‑eyed peas are often cooked with ham hocks, bacon, or smoked sausage, and seasoned with onions, garlic, and a pinch of sugar. In coastal areas, they may include seafood like shrimp or crab, while some families add collard greens for extra nutrition.

cultural
Q

How is Smoked Turkey Black-Eyed Peas traditionally served in the Southern United States?

A

It is typically served hot as a main dish alongside cornbread, collard greens, or a simple green salad. Many families enjoy it as a standalone comfort meal, especially during winter holidays and family gatherings.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Smoked Turkey Black-Eyed Peas traditionally associated with in Southern culture?

A

The dish is popular for New Year's Day, Thanksgiving leftovers, and casual weekend family meals. Its hearty nature makes it a favorite for cold weather gatherings and pot‑luck events.

cultural
Q

How does Smoked Turkey Black-Eyed Peas fit into the broader Southern American cuisine tradition?

A

It embodies the Southern emphasis on slow‑cooked, one‑pot meals that stretch inexpensive ingredients like dried peas and smoked meats into a filling, flavorful dish. The use of lemon‑pepper seasoning adds a bright note that is common in Southern seasoning blends.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Smoked Turkey Black-Eyed Peas versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include dried black‑eyed peas, smoked turkey wings, onion, bell pepper, garlic, and a blend of salt, lemon‑pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Substitutes can be canned peas, smoked ham hocks, or regular chicken broth instead of bouillon paste.

cultural
Q

What other Southern dishes pair well with Smoked Turkey Black-Eyed Peas?

A

Classic pairings are buttery cornbread, collard greens cooked with a bit of bacon, and a simple cucumber‑tomato salad. A side of sweet potato mash also complements the smoky, earthy flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Smoked Turkey Black-Eyed Peas at home?

A

Common errors include not soaking the peas long enough, over‑cooking the garlic so it burns, and simmering the peas at a high boil which turns them mushy. Also, forgetting to flip the smoked turkey wings can result in uneven flavor absorption.

technical
Q

Why does this Smoked Turkey Black-Eyed Peas recipe use lemon pepper seasoning instead of plain pepper?

A

Lemon pepper adds a citrus brightness that cuts through the richness of the smoked turkey and the earthiness of the peas, creating a balanced flavor profile that plain pepper alone cannot achieve.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Maple Jubilee specialize in?

A

Maple Jubilee focuses on Southern comfort food and family‑style recipes, often sharing heritage dishes passed down through generations with clear, step‑by‑step video tutorials.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Maple Jubilee's approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Maple Jubilee emphasizes traditional techniques, storytelling about family heritage, and practical tips for home cooks, whereas many other channels prioritize trendy or fusion twists. The channel also highlights budget‑friendly ingredient swaps and seasonal variations.

channel

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