Sweet Potato and Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Smoked Ham

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

A comforting stew combining sweet potatoes, black-eyed peas, and smoky ham simmered with aromatic spices for a soulful, hearty meal. This southern american-inspired pork ready in about 70 minutes pairs cooked black-eyed peas, (about 1 lb) smoked ham hock, medium, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 55 min Serves 6 Southern American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion, 2 diced celery stalks, and 1 diced large carrot. Sauté for 6-7 minutes until vegetables soften and edges start to brown.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried thyme, and 1 tsp smoked paprika. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 diced medium sweet potatoes, 1 1/2 cups cooked black-eyed peas, and 1 smoked ham hock to the pot.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently, covered, for 45 minutes until sweet potatoes are tender and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Remove the ham hock, shred the meat, discard the bone, and stir the meat back into the stew. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sweet Potato and Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Smoked Ham take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (15 min prep + 55 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 Sweet Potato and Black-Eyed Pea Stew 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 cooked black-eyed peas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sweet Potato and Black-Eyed Pea Stew 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 Sweet Potato and Black-Eyed Pea Stew 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.

What goes well with Sweet Potato and Black-Eyed Pea Stew with Smoked Ham?

Southern American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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