YT Recipe

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

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. Add Soaked Peas

    Add the drained black‑eyed peas to the pot, stir to combine with the turkey and broth.

    Time: PT5M

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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)

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey

Recipe by Cinnamon Stove Kitchen

A hearty Southern classic featuring black‑eyed peas simmered with smoky turkey, seasoned with pepper, sea salt, onion powder, crushed red pepper, bouillon, a touch of sugar and bay leaf. Perfect as a comforting main or side dish.

MediumSouthern United StatesServes 4

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

Source Video
20m
Prep
3h 55m
Cook
31m
Cleanup
4h 46m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$7.82
Total cost
$1.95
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Sorting and removing bad peas
  • • Soaking the peas
  • • Cooking turkey until falling off the bone
  • • Mashing peas to thicken the broth

Safety Warnings

  • • Handle the hot pot and boiling liquid with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • • Ensure smoked turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • • Remove bay leaves before serving to prevent choking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey in Southern United States cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Southern Style Black Eyed Peas in the Southern United States?

A

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.

cultural
Q

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

A

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.

cultural
Q

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

A

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.

cultural
Q

What makes Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey special or unique in Southern cuisine?

A

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.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey?

A

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.

technical
Q

Why does this Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey recipe use a bouillon cube instead of homemade stock?

A

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.

technical
Q

Can I make Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

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.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey?

A

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.

technical
Q

How do I know when Southern Style Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey is done cooking?

A

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.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Cinnamon Stove Kitchen specialize in?

A

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.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Cinnamon Stove Kitchen's approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?

A

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.

channel
More like this:Southern United States RecipesMain Course RecipesMore by Cinnamon Stove Kitchen

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