Black-Eyed Peas and Rice with Smoked Ham

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A traditional Southern dish featuring tender black-eyed peas and rice simmered with smoky ham and aromatic vegetables. This Southern-inspired quick recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 95 minutes, pairs Black-eyed peas, dried, Smoked ham hock, Onion, diced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 80 min Serves 6 Southern cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1 cup dried black-eyed peas, 8 oz smoked ham hock, 1 medium diced onion (about 1 cup), 1/2 cup diced carrot, 1/2 cup diced celery, 3 cups chicken broth, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to low.
  2. Step 2: Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the black-eyed peas are tender.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup long grain rice, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Discard the ham hock before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Black-Eyed Peas and Rice with Smoked Ham take to make?

Total time is about 95 minutes (15 min prep + 80 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Black-Eyed Peas and Rice with Smoked Ham?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep black-eyed peas, dried from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Black-Eyed Peas and Rice with Smoked Ham?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Black-Eyed Peas and Rice with Smoked Ham for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Black-Eyed Peas and Rice with Smoked Ham vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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