Southern Black-Eyed Peas with Turkey Wings

Ingredients

• 1 pound Dried Black-Eyed Peas (Rinse and soak overnight; use the black-eyed variety, not the green)
• 4 pieces Turkey Wings (Prefer bone‑in, skin‑on; can use smoked turkey wings for extra flavor)
• 1 medium Onion (Diced)
• 6 cloves Garlic (4 cloves minced for the base, 2 cloves roasted as secret ingredient)
• 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (Diced)
• 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (Cut into small pieces)
• 4 cups Chicken Stock (Low‑sodium; can use homemade or store‑bought)
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (Adjust to taste)
• 2 teaspoons Fresh Thyme (Leaves stripped from stems, chopped)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black Pepper
• 1 Bay Leaf

Instructions

1. Soak the Black‑Eyed Peas

   Rinse the dried black‑eyed peas, place them in a large bowl, cover with water and let soak overnight (at least 8 hours).

   Time: PT8H

2. Prep the Vegetables

   Dice the onion and green bell pepper. Mince 4 cloves of garlic for the base and set aside 2 cloves for roasting.

   Time: PT10M

3. Roast the Secret Garlic

   Heat a small skillet over medium heat, add a teaspoon of butter, and lightly brown the 2 whole garlic cloves until fragrant, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium heat

4. Sauté Aromatics

   In the large pot, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, roasted garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: medium heat

5. Add Turkey Wings and Seasonings

   Place the turkey wings into the pot. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, a pinch of cayenne, and add the bay leaf.

   Time: PT5M

6. Combine Peas, Stock, and Herbs

   Drain the soaked peas and add them to the pot. Pour in the chicken stock, add the remaining cayenne, and stir in the chopped fresh thyme.

   Time: PT5M

7. Simmer Covered

   Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 2 hours.

   Time: PT2H

   Temperature: low simmer

8. Remove and Shred Turkey Meat

   After the first hour of simmering, carefully lift the turkey wings, pull the meat off the bones, shred it, and return the meat to the pot while discarding the bones.

   Time: PT5M

9. Uncovered Simmer

   Continue to simmer the pot uncovered for an additional 1 hour to allow the broth to thicken and flavors to meld.

   Time: PT1H

   Temperature: low simmer

10. Final Seasoning and Serve

    Remove the bay leaf, give the peas a final stir, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

350

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

35 g

Fat

12 g

Fiber

8 g