We have many time honored New Years Day eating traditions here in the South. Black-eyed peas and greens are standard New Year's Day fare. This recipe for Tex-Mex Black Eyed Peas and Ham adds a bit of a South-of-the-border twist adding ham, bacon, tomatoes, chilies and an array of seasonings to make it more interesting. A scoop of rice is optional but, it provides the perfect bed to soak up the flavorful sauce. Trust me, you won't want to leave a drop behind.
Tex-Mex Black Eyed Peas and Ham
Quick Soak Method for Dried Black Eyed Peas and Beans
If you're running short of time, it's quite possible to enjoy dried black eyed peas or beans using a quick soak method. To do so, rinse the black eye peas, and place into a pot. Cover with water allowing 1 inch over the top. Bring to a boil on the stove top and boil for 1 minute covered. Remove from the stove and allow the peas to sit for 1 hour covered. Rinse, then proceed with the instructions in the recipe. This same method will work with pinto, navy, or butter beans.
Side Dishes to Serve with Black Eyed Peas
If you'd like to add collards to your black-eyed peas meal checkout my recipe for Cajun Collard Greens with Bacon. Another classic addition to the menu would be a big skillet of honey cornbread slathered with sweet cream butter. You may also like to add this delicious recipe for Black Eyed Pea Cakes from My Recipes to your dinner rotation.
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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Tex-Mex Black Eyed Peas and Ham
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry black eyed peas rinsed and picked over
- 10 slices thick cut bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium sweet onion finely diced
- ⅓ cup diced jalapeno or poblano or green pepper
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 10 oz cubed smoked ham
- 1 14.5 oz can chili seasoned tomatoes [I used Del Monte Zesty Chili Style]
- 2 14.5 oz cans low sodium chicken broth [plus ½ cup]
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¾ teaspoon seasoned salt adjust to taste
- ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dark chili powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 large bay leaf
- 4 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Place the peas into a colander and rinse well, remove any debris. Place into a pot and cover with water and allow to soak on the counter overnight. Before cooking, drain and rinse well.
- On the stove top, in a large pot or dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels. Reserve 3 tablespoon drippings.
- To the pot add green pepper and onion. Cook for 3 minute until softened and beginning to brown. Add the minced garlic and saute for 1 minute longer..
- Add ham, Worcestershire sauce, black eyed peas, chicken broth, canned tomatoes, seasoned salt, cumin, black pepper, chili, red pepper flakes, bay leaf and 2 tablespoon cilantro to the pot. Mix well. Simmer for 1 hour 15 minutes until the peas are tender.
- Uncover and remove bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoned salt and pepper to your taste. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to reduce sauce and thicken slightly.
- Stir in the remaining cilantro just before serving. Serve with a scoop of rice and garnish with bacon crumbles.
Notes
This same method will work with pinto, navy, or butter beans.
Nutrition
My name is Melissa and I'm the Creator of Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen. Cooking, baking, developing recipes and kitchen tips is my passion. I love sharing my dishes and connecting with people through the food that I create.
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Deborah
Can this Mexican black eye peas and ham be cooked in a crock pot?
Melissa
I haven't tested it so, I can't give you exact instructions. If you try it, let us know how it goes. That said, I do have this recipe for slow cooker Hoppin' John.
Michelle Young
I made these today for New Year's. My mother and grandmother always insisted we have black-eyed peas on New Year's Day. I don't especially like black eyed peas so I'm always searching for recipes that hide that funky flavor and this one works really well. Delicious. Thanks for the recipe. Happy New Year!
Melissa
Hi Michelle, there's something different about beginning a recipe with dried black eyed peas. They take on the additional flavors so well. I'm glad you enjoyed!
Toni
Hi! I’m making your Tex Mex Black Eyed Peas and Ham today, and looking through the recipe, I see it calls for seasoned salt. I’ve never used seasoned salt, and there were SO many variations at the grocery store, and many DIY recipes. I’m a bit lost on where to start. What flavors am I looking to add with the seasoned salt?
Melissa
Hi Toni, it's truly a matter of personal taste. I believe I use Lawry's to develop this recipe. You can't go wrong when using a seasoned salt that you enjoy.
Melissa
Hi Morchella! Enjoy, and Happy New Year to you and your family!
morchella
Looks very good. Called hubby over and he copied the recipe. He is gonna make it this week. Thanks for sharing.