I am rating this recipe to include the changes I made to it. After looking at the recipe I thought this was a good base, but sounded as thought it might be a bit on the bland side. Sooo..I made a few changes. First I added some garlic. I use the pre minced garlic in the jar so I added about 1 to 1-1/2 teaspoons. I also chopped up a green bell pepper and added it to the mix along with a can of chopped tomatoes with green chilis (rotell tomatoes)to give it a little extra bite. Also in addition to cooking the soup with a ham bone, verses a ham hock, I also cubed up a good amount of left over ham and added it into the soup at the end. The result was yummy and would make again!!
This was the best black eyed pea recipe that I have tried...I substituted a pound of bacon for the ham hocks...it was GREAT...could be served as an entire meal...I impressed everyone with this one, even "seasoned" black-eyed pea eaters!! I made this the first time for new years and have been making it ever since!!
I used long-grain brown rice (added about 30 minutes after the peas) and a slow cooker so it took me about 4 hours. I also used precooked diced ham. The result was VERY flavorful and thick. Everyone gave it a thumbs up. Served with cornbread. This one is definitely going in the recipe box.
Overall this was a good recipe. The only thing I would do different next time is to use less red pepper (it packs quite a punch) and use less rice so the dish has more of a wet consistency. I had to double the recipe for more guests and should have used 2 cups of rice rather than 3.
Very good! My husband and son have agreed this will be an annual New Years' Day recipe. The recipe did not call for it but I pre-soaked the peas and tossed out the soaking water adding fresh water for the recipe. I also increased the water to 5 cups. I also added a can of 'diced tomatoes with chiles' for color and extra flavor. Couldn't find any smoked cheddar cheese but regular sharp cheddar worked just fine. I served it with hot corn bread muffins and a tossed salad. Great meal!!!
My number one piece of advice is start on this early. The prep can take awhile but then it takes care of itself. This is hearty and I'd say the recipe makes enough for at least 6 people to have as a main dish. I might use ham shanks instead of ham hocks b/c they have more meat. As left overs I added some fried bratwurst and a dijon style mustard and it was great.
I use Hog Jowls instead of Ham Hocks. You can get them almost anywhere in the South around New Years and in some stores all the time. I also find that cooking the Black Eyed Peas in a crockpot is better.
Good inexpensive hearty meal although I would spice it up a little more probably with garlic and more onion.
I completed my annual tradition of making Hoppin' John and this by far is the best recipe!
Very bland. See review from Calgier. I should have heeded it myself.
