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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.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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