Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey
Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey is a medium Southern United States recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cinnamon Stove Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 2 hrs | Total: 2 hrs 35 min
Cost: $7.82 total, $1.95 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Black-Eyed Peas (rinsed and sorted, soaked 2‑3 hours)
- 1 pound Smoked Turkey (bone‑in pieces (leg, thigh, or shank), cut into large chunks)
- 6 cups Water (enough to fully cover peas and turkey)
- 1 teaspoon Sea Salt (adjust to taste; can substitute regular kosher salt)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (or ½ small onion, finely chopped)
- ½ teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 piece Chicken Bouillon Cube (brand used in video; adds depth)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (balances savory flavor)
- 2 pieces Bay Leaf (remove before serving)
Instructions
Sort and Rinse Peas
Place the dried black‑eyed peas in a bowl, pick out any cracked, discolored, or foreign beans, then rinse under cold water.
Time: PT5M
Soak Peas
Transfer the cleaned peas to a bowl, cover with water and let soak for 2–3 hours (or overnight for best results). Drain before cooking.
Time: PT2H
Prepare Turkey and Base Liquid
Cut the smoked turkey into large chunks. Add the turkey pieces to the stockpot, pour in 6 cups of water, and bring to a boil over medium‑high heat.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium‑high heat
Initial Simmer of Turkey
Once boiling, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover with the lid, and cook for 45 minutes until the turkey is beginning to become tender.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: Low simmer
Add Soaked Peas
Add the drained black‑eyed peas to the pot, stir to combine with the turkey and broth.
Time: PT5M
Season the Dish
Add sea salt, black pepper, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, chicken bouillon cube, sugar, and 1–2 bay leaves. Mix well.
Time: PT5M
Low‑and‑Slow Cooking
Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer on low heat for 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: Low heat
Final Thickening and Check Turkey
Remove the lid, give the pot a quick stir, and continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 15 minutes until the peas are tender and the broth has thickened to a gravy‑like consistency. The turkey should now be falling off the bone.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Low heat
Finish and Serve
Remove bay leaves, taste for final seasoning, and serve hot. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 22g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 9g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free (with gluten‑free bouillon), High Protein, Dairy-Free
Allergens: None (ensure bouillon is gluten‑free if needed)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Black-Eyed Peas: Kidney beans, Pinto beans
- Instead of Smoked Turkey: Smoked chicken, Smoked ham
- Instead of Water: Low‑sodium chicken broth
- Instead of Sea Salt: Kosher salt, Smoked salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Onion Powder: Fresh onion
- Instead of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper
- Instead of Chicken Bouillon Cube: Vegetable bouillon, Homemade chicken stock
- Instead of Sugar: Honey, Maple syrup (use less)
- Instead of Bay Leaf: Dried thyme (½ tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Stockpot (6‑qt or larger)
- Lid for Stockpot
- Colander or Sieve
- Wooden Spoon or Heat‑proof Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Fork (for mashing peas)
- Bowl (for soaking peas)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sorting and removing bad peas
- Soaking the peas
- Cooking turkey until falling off the bone
- Mashing peas to thicken the broth
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a smoked turkey leg or thigh for the deepest smoky flavor.
- If you have homemade chicken stock, replace water and bouillon for richer depth.
- Soaking peas overnight yields a creamier texture and reduces cooking time.
- Add a dash of smoked paprika for extra Southern flair.
Troubleshooting
Peas are still firm after cooking time
Continue simmering in 5‑minute increments until tender; ensure the pot remains covered to retain moisture.
Broth is too thin
Mash a few peas against the side of the pot or add a slurry of 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with cold water.
Dish is too salty
Add ½ cup more water or unsalted broth, then simmer for a few minutes to dilute.
Turkey is not falling off the bone
Simmer uncovered for an additional 15‑20 minutes, or add a splash more water and cover to continue low‑and‑slow cooking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Not recommended; beans can spoil quickly at room temperature.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the peas and turkey a day ahead, refrigerate, and reheat gently over low heat.
- The dish thickens further after cooling; add a splash of water when reheating if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey in Southern United States cuisine?
Black‑eyed peas are a staple of Southern comfort cooking, traditionally served on New Year’s Day for good luck and prosperity. Adding smoked turkey reflects the region’s love of cured meats and ties the dish to historic Southern farm‑to‑table practices.
What are the traditional regional variations of Southern Style Black Eyed Peas in the Southern United States?
In the Deep South, cooks often use ham hocks or pork shoulder instead of smoked turkey, and may add collard greens or okra. Some variations sweeten the dish with molasses or brown sugar, while others keep it savory with hot sauce.
How is Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey traditionally served in the Southern United States?
It is typically served hot as a side dish alongside cornbread, collard greens, or fried chicken, especially during holiday meals and New Year celebrations. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or scallions adds a bright finish.
What occasions or celebrations is Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey traditionally associated with in Southern culture?
The dish is a classic part of New Year’s Day meals, as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings where comfort foods are highlighted.
What makes Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey special or unique in Southern cuisine?
The combination of smoky turkey and the earthy flavor of black‑eyed peas creates a deep, layered taste that embodies Southern hospitality. The low‑and‑slow simmer melds the flavors into a rich, hearty broth.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey?
Common errors include not sorting the peas (resulting in gritty texture), under‑soaking the beans (causing long cooking times), over‑cooking which makes peas mushy, and forgetting to remove bay leaves before serving.
Why does this Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey recipe use a bouillon cube instead of homemade stock?
The bouillon cube provides a quick, concentrated umami boost that mimics the depth of homemade stock, keeping the recipe simple for home cooks without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the dish improves after resting. Cool completely, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey?
The peas should be tender but hold their shape, and the broth should be thick enough to coat a spoon, resembling a rich gravy. The turkey should be falling off the bone and infused with the broth’s color.
How do I know when Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey is done cooking?
When the peas are fork‑tender, the broth has thickened, and the smoked turkey easily separates from the bone, the dish is ready. A quick taste for seasoning confirms completion.
What does the YouTube channel Cinnamon Stove Kitchen specialize in?
Cinnamon Stove Kitchen focuses on approachable Southern and comfort‑food recipes, offering step‑by‑step video tutorials that emphasize classic flavors, easy techniques, and home‑cooking tips.
How does the YouTube channel Cinnamon Stove Kitchen's approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?
Cinnamon Stove Kitchen blends traditional Southern dishes with modern, time‑saving shortcuts—like short‑soak bean methods—while maintaining authentic flavor profiles, making the cuisine accessible to busy home cooks.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
