Maria
Dive into the heartwarming flavors of Crockpot Black Eyed Peas with Ham, a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for cozy meals with family and friends. This simple and nutritious recipe combines the earthy taste of black-eyed peas with the savory goodness of ham, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Why Make This Recipe
Crockpot Black Eyed Peas with Ham is a fantastic recipe for busy days when you want a wholesome and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also packs a punch of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for any mealtime.
How to Make Crockpot Black Eyed Peas with Ham
Ingredients:
- 8 oz smoked lean ham steak, diced (or a ham bone)
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and soaked overnight
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ½ tsp chili powder (such as chipotle)
- 1½ tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Directions:
- Soak the Peas: Soak the black-eyed peas overnight in 6 cups of water.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: The next morning, drain the peas and transfer them to the slow cooker. Add 4 cups of fresh water, bay leaves, and ham.
- Initial Cooking: Cover and cook on high for 6 hours or until the beans are tender.
- Sauté Vegetables: After 6 hours, sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeño, and tomato in a skillet until soft.
- Combine and Season: Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker and season with salt, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper. Cover and cook on high for an additional 1 to 1½ hours.
- Finish and Serve: Discard bay leaves and serve hot.
How to Serve Crockpot Black Eyed Peas with Ham
Serve this flavorful dish hot, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Pair it with cornbread, rice, or a side salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
How to Store Crockpot Black Eyed Peas with Ham
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Tips to Make Crockpot Black Eyed Peas with Ham
- Soak the Peas: Be sure to soak the black-eyed peas overnight to help them cook evenly and become tender.
- Adjust Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences, adding more spice or salt as needed.
- Add Smokiness: For a smokier flavor, use a ham bone instead of diced ham steak.
Variation
For a vegetarian version of this dish, omit the ham and add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for added flavor.
Crockpot Black Eyed Peas with Ham
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz smoked lean ham steak, diced (or a ham bone)
- 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and soaked overnight
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno, minced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (such as chipotle)
- 1-1/2 tsp cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
How to Make Crockpot Black Eyed Peas with Ham
- 1. Soak peas overnight in 6 cups of water.
- 2. The next morning, drain the peas and transfer them to the slow cooker.
- 3. Add 4 cups of fresh water, bay leaves, and ham.
- 4. Cover and cook on high for 6 hours or until the beans are tender.
- 5. After 6 hours, sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, and tomato in a skillet until soft.
- 6. Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker and season with salt, cumin, chili powder, and black pepper.
- 7. Cover and cook on high for an additional 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- 8. Discard bay leaves and serve.
