Southern Black-Eyed Peas with Turkey Wings
Southern Black-Eyed Peas with Turkey Wings is a medium Southern recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Kolby Kash on YouTube.
Prep: 8 hrs 27 min | Cook: 2 hrs | Total: 10 hrs 42 min
Cost: $14.27 total, $2.38 per serving
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein
Allergens: Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dried Black-Eyed Peas: Split peas, Chickpeas
- Instead of Turkey Wings: Chicken thighs, Smoked sausage
- Instead of Onion: Shallots, Leeks
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp), Roasted garlic paste
- Instead of Green Bell Pepper: Red bell pepper, Poblano pepper
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Olive oil, Margarine
- Instead of Chicken Stock: Vegetable stock, Water + bouillon cube
- Instead of Cayenne Pepper: Hot sauce, Paprika
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: Dried thyme (1/2 tsp), Fresh rosemary
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper, Ground cayenne
- Instead of Bay Leaf: Dried thyme, Oregano
Equipment Needed
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Colander
- Small Skillet (for roasting garlic) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Soak black-eyed peas overnight to ensure they soften properly.
- Roast garlic to develop a deep, sweet flavor.
- Simmer peas and turkey wings for at least 2 hours for tenderness.
- Remove meat from bones after 1 hour and return to pot for maximum flavor.
- Cook uncovered for the final hour to achieve a thick, hearty broth.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use smoked turkey wings or add a splash of liquid smoke for a deeper, authentic Southern flavor.
- A small amount of apple cider vinegar added at the end brightens the dish and balances richness.
- For extra heat, increase cayenne to 1/2 teaspoon or add a dash of hot sauce.
Troubleshooting
Peas are still firm after cooking.
Continue simmering uncovered for 15‑20 more minutes, adding extra stock if needed.
The broth is too watery.
Uncover the pot and simmer for an additional 20‑30 minutes to reduce, stirring occasionally.
Turkey meat is dry.
Make sure the pot stays covered for the first hour; if uncovered too early, the meat can dry out.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the dish a day ahead; flavors improve after resting in the fridge.
- Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of stock if the stew looks dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Southern Black-Eyed Peas with Turkey Wings in American Southern cuisine?
Black‑eyed peas, often called "Hoppin' John," have been a New Year's tradition in the Southern United States for centuries, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. Adding turkey wings, a leftover from holiday meals, turns the dish into a hearty main that celebrates both abundance and the start of a new year.
What are the traditional regional variations of black‑eyed peas in Southern cuisine?
In the Deep South, black‑eyed peas are commonly cooked with pork or ham hocks, while in coastal areas they may include seafood or smoked sausage. Some families add rice to make a pilaf, whereas others keep it simple with just peas, meat, and seasonings like cayenne and thyme.
How is Southern Black‑Eyed Peas with Turkey Wings traditionally served in the Southern United States?
The dish is typically served hot as a main course on New Year's Day, often accompanied by cornbread, collard greens, and a slice of sweet potato pie. A side of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon is common to brighten the rich flavors.
What occasions or celebrations is Southern Black‑Eyed Peas with Turkey Wings traditionally associated with in Southern culture?
Besides New Year's Day, black‑eyed peas are also served on Thanksgiving leftovers and during family gatherings in the winter months, symbolizing luck, wealth, and the hope for a prosperous year ahead.
What makes Southern Black‑Eyed Peas with Turkey Wings special or unique in Southern cuisine?
The combination of slow‑cooked black‑eyed peas with the rich, gelatinous broth from turkey wings creates a comforting, protein‑packed stew. The secret roasted garlic adds a sweet depth that sets this version apart from more straightforward recipes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Southern Black‑Eyed Peas with Turkey Wings?
Common pitfalls include not soaking the peas long enough, which leaves them hard, and uncovering the pot too early, which can dry out the turkey meat. Also, be careful not to over‑salt if using a salty stock or smoked turkey.
Why does this Southern Black‑Eyed Peas recipe use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic?
Roasting the garlic mellows its sharp bite and brings out a sweet, caramelized flavor that deepens the overall broth, making the dish richer without the harshness of raw garlic.
Can I make Southern Black‑Eyed Peas with Turkey Wings ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the stew improves after a night in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little stock if it looks thick.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Southern Black‑Eyed Peas with Turkey Wings?
The peas should be tender but not mushy, and the broth should be thick enough to coat a spoon, with a glossy sheen from the butter and stock. The turkey meat should be fall‑off‑the‑bone tender and evenly distributed.
How do I know when Southern Black‑Eyed Peas with Turkey Wings is done cooking?
Check that the peas are soft when bitten and that the turkey meat easily pulls away from the bone. The liquid should have reduced to a hearty, slightly thick consistency.
What does the YouTube channel Kolby Kash specialize in?
The YouTube channel Kolby Kash focuses on Southern comfort food, holiday traditions, and easy‑to‑follow home‑cooking tutorials that blend classic recipes with modern twists.
How does the YouTube channel Kolby Kash's approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?
Kolby Kash emphasizes quick, family‑friendly versions of traditional dishes, often incorporating secret flavor tricks—like roasted garlic in this black‑eyed pea recipe—while maintaining authentic Southern taste profiles.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
