# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 8 oz smoked sausage (Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced
02 - 4 oz thick-cut bacon, diced
→ Legumes
03 - 1 lb dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
→ Vegetables
04 - 1 large onion, diced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 2 celery stalks, diced
07 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
→ Liquids
08 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
09 - 1 cup water
→ Spices & Seasonings
10 - 2 bay leaves
11 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
13 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
14 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
15 - 3/4 tsp kosher salt
→ Finishing
16 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
17 - Hot sauce, to serve
# How to Make It:
01 - Place dried black-eyed peas in a large bowl and cover with water. Soak overnight, then drain and rinse thoroughly before cooking. For a quicker method, cover peas with boiling water and let stand for 1 hour before draining and rinsing.
02 - In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crisp and browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside on paper towels, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
03 - Add the sliced sausage to the pot with the bacon drippings. Sauté over medium-high heat until well browned on all sides, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove and set aside with the cooked bacon.
04 - Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the same pot. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute until fragrant.
05 - Stir in the soaked black-eyed peas, chicken broth, water, bay leaves, smoked paprika, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the pot.
06 - Return the cooked bacon and sausage to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 1 to 1.5 hours. Cook until the peas are completely tender and the broth has thickened and developed a rich flavor.
07 - Remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard. Taste the peas and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley just before serving to add color and fresh flavor.
08 - Serve hot in bowls, passing hot sauce at the table for those who prefer extra heat. This dish pairs perfectly with steamed white rice, crusty cornbread, or sautéed collard greens for a complete Southern meal.
