Ingredients: |
Ingredients: 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight
6 cups water or chicken broth
1 smoked turkey leg or ham hock
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon thyme
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
½ cup chopped collard greens or kale (optional)
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Directions: |
Directions:In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
Add the smoked turkey leg or ham hock and let it cook for a few minutes.
Pour in the water or broth, then add black-eyed peas, bay leaf, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more water if needed.
If using, add diced tomatoes and greens, and continue simmering for another 15-20 minutes.
Stir in apple cider vinegar and adjust seasoning as needed.
Remove the bay leaf and the smoked turkey leg/ham hock. Shred the meat and return it to the pot.
Serve hot with cornbread or rice. |
Personal
Notes: |
Personal
Notes: Chef Kisha was standing over a steaming pot, filled with the rich aroma of black-eyed peas permeating the air. The massive steel pot was placed atop a portable stove at a Dallas street corner, where the unhoused community gathered in anticipation, creating a sense of togetherness and care. This evening was more than just about providing a meal; it was a gesture to remind the unhoused that they were not forgotten. She stirred the pot slowly, following the technique passed down by her grandmother, allowing the smoked turkey to season every bite, invoking memories of her childhood when her grandmother's resourcefulness brought comfort during times of scarcity. To Chef Kisha, black-eyed peas held a profound significance, symbolizing survival and hope. As a man named Raymond approached, expressing how the aroma reminded him of home, it became evident that the food was evoking a sense of familiarity and warmth. Chef Kisha responded with a smile, highlighting the deeper purpose of food—not just to fill the belly, but to nourish the soul. While serving the thick, hearty stew into bowls, she observed the faces around her, recognizing the struggles of the men, women, and children in need, understanding that each bowl carried more than just sustenance; it carried dignity and love. Upon receiving the last bowl, an elderly woman expressed her gratitude, emphasizing the significance of the meal to their community. Chef Kisha, touched by the woman's words, acknowledged the profound impact of her actions, knowing that each meal was more than just nourishment; it was a message of recognition, love, and solidarity.
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This recipe for Legacy Black- Eyed Peas is from