New Year's Eve Black Eyed Peas with Ham and Spices
A traditional Southern New Year's dish of tender black-eyed peas simmered with diced ham and aromatic spices including smoked paprika, sage, and thyme. This hearty, protein-rich meal is perfect for bringing good luck into the new year when served over white rice. The combination of herbs and spices creates a deeply flavorful base, while the ham adds richness and substance to make this a satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Camellia Blackeye Peas
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
- 4 ea bay leaves
- ½ tsp thyme, dried
- 1 tsp sage, dried and rubbed
- 1 tsp black pepper, ground fine
- ½ tsp cumin, ground
- ½ tsp granulated garlic
- ½ tsp basil leaves, dried
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp oregano, dried
- 1 lb ham, diced
- 2 tbsp Kosher salt
Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a 6-quart pot over medium heat
- 2
Add onions and garlic and sweat until fragrant and translucent
- 3
Add bay leaves and seasonings along with ham and toast for 2 minutes
- 4
Add black-eyed peas and water and bring to a boil for 5 minutes
- 5
Lower heat and simmer for 1 hour
- 6
Serve hot over white rice
Tips
Soak black-eyed peas overnight to reduce cooking time and ensure even texture
Toast spices with ham to bloom flavors and prevent burning
Add salt gradually and taste as peas cook to avoid oversalting
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days in airtight container
Can be made 1 day ahead and reheated gently on stovetop
Serve hot over white rice with cornbread and hot sauce on the side
Common Mistakes
Don't skip toasting spices with ham to avoid flat flavor
Don't add all salt at once to avoid oversalting as liquid reduces
Substitutions
creates smoky depth without meat
Full guide →FAQ
Can I use canned black-eyed peas instead?
Yes, use 3-4 cans and reduce cooking time to 20-30 minutes since they're already tender.
What if I don't have all the spices listed?
Focus on bay leaves, thyme, and paprika as the essential trio, then add what you have available.
How long will this keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored leftovers will keep 4-5 days and actually taste better as flavors meld together.