Southern-style Black-eyed Peas for #SundaySupper

Money is tight for a lot of folks these days. So many are watching their budgets closely and cutting spending. One of the ways I have been able to cut expenses is to cook at home more often. Going out to eat adds up even if it is only a couple of times a week. Getting back to basics is important. One of those basic recipes I have always enjoyed is Southern-style Black-eyed Peas.

Dried peas and beans are a staple in the South. They are inexpensive and make a filling contribution to a meal. Sometimes the meal is the peas or beans. A one pound bag of dried black-eyed peas cost about $1 and makes 8 to 10 servings (or more if you stretch it). Additional cost is for salt pork or bacon to flavor it although it is not necessary. A 12 ounce package of salt pork is about $3.50 and you only use 8 ounces of it. There is a tiny bit more cost with water, salt, and pepper. In total it is less than $5.00 for the whole batch.

To soak or not to soak? That was the question. I usually soak beans and peas overnight like for pinto beans or minestrone soup. I’ve heard black-eyed peas can be made without soaking. I wanted to be sure so I went directly to my experts; my mom and my mother-in-law. Both prepared them the same way. They do not soak them overnight. They both cook them low and slow for about 2 hours. They both use salt pork (also called fatback or streak-o-lean). After consulting with the experts, I knew I would have a winning recipe to share. Oh, and both serve them with chopped onions or chow chow on the side.

Are you looking for more budget friendly recipes? The talented Sunday Supper bloggers have plenty to share. Take a look at these low cost yet highly delicious recipes:

Starters, Soups, and Salads

• Lentil Soup {Linsensuppe} from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Gado-gado from The Urban Mrs.
• Ramping Up Instant Ramen from girlichef

Main

• Salmon Lasagna from Blueberries and Blessings
• Kadun Pika from The Foodie Army Wife
• Mushroom and Artichoke Quiche with Red Pepper Puree from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Pasta Carbonara from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• San Francisco Special Breakfast Burritos from Gourmet Drizzles
• Chicken Divan from Simply Gourmet
• Chicken and Brown Rice with Veggies and Mushrooms from Daily Dish Recipes
• The Cod Puffs War {Duelo de Buñuelos de Bacalao} from My Cute Bride
• From the Pantry Peanut Noodles from Supper for a Steal
• Pasta Puttanesca from Juanita’s Cocina
• Hawaiian Grilled Cheese from Home Cooking Memories
• Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas from I Run For Wine
• Browned Butter Pasta with Collards from Momma’s Meals
• Turkey and Acini Di Pepe Skillet from Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Golden State Gourmet from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Buffalo Chicken Dip Quesadillas from Chocolate Moosey
• Tonkatsu {Pork Cutlet} from Damn Delicious
• Tarka Dal {Spicy Curry Lentils} from Food Lust People Love
• Kung Pao Tofu from Ninja Baking
• Roasted Honey Mustard Chicken from Mama’s Blissful Bites
• Four-Cheese Risotto with Turkey Italian Sausage from The Weekend Gourmet
• Chicken with Sauteed Asparagus and Lemons from The Lovely Pantry
• Salvage-Your-Vegetables Frittata from Daddy Knows Less

Sides

• English Baked Beans from Small Wallet, Big Appetite
• Southern-style Black-eyed Peas from Magnolia Days
• Classic Macaroni and Cheese from The Skinny Chick Can Bake!!!
• Baked Beans from What Smells So Good?
• Hearts of Palm Mix Rice from Basic N Delicious

Drinks and Desserts

• Skinny Cinnamon Dolce Frappe from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Portuguese Rice Pudding {Arroz Doce} from Family Foodie

How do you cut back on food expense? Do you grow your own vegetables or cook more at home? Buy in bulk? Share your secrets in the comments below…

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Announcing the Food & Wine Conference sponsored by Sunday Supper!It’s being held July 19th – 21st in beautiful, sunny Orlando, FL. It’s a must for food bloggers. Check it out by clicking here → Food & Wine Conference

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Southern-style Black-eyed Peas

A recipe for black-eyed peas prepared Southern-style with salt pork. A budget friendly recipe for a side dish to go with pork, chicken, or beef.

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American Southern

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Author Renee

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas 16 ounces
• 8 cups water
• 1/2 pound sliced salt pork* 8 ounces
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. Rinse peas in a colander. Pick out and discard any discolored peas along with any small stones.
2. Add all the ingredients to a large pot. Over medium heat, bring to a simmer (do not let get to a hard boil). Turn the heat to low or medium-low to maintain a slow simmer. Partially cover and cook until the peas are tender, about 2 hours. Check occasionally and add more water if needed. Remove and discard salt pork. Serve immediately. Optional serving condiment/topping: Chopped onion or chow chow.

Recipe Notes

*You can omit salt pork for a low-fat version. You can also substitute bacon if salt pork is not available.