New Year's Day Black-Eyed Peas

Name: New Year's Day Black-Eyed Peas
Total time: 150 min
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing; 1 very large onion, finely chopped; 1 very large carrot, finely chopped; 5 garlic cloves—4 minced, 1 whole; 1 pound dried black-eyed peas (about 2 1/4 cups), soaked overnight and drained; Two 1-pound smoked ham hocks; 2 quarts chicken stock or low-sodium broth; 2 bay leaves; Salt and freshly ground pepper; 1 small baguette, sliced diagonally 3/4 inch thick; Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for serving

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"Growing up in a large family of mixed heritage in the South, it seemed only natural to make things up as we went along," says Ryan Hardy. "My mother, a Yankee, insisted that it was good luck to have black-eyed peas on New Year's Day and she'd save the bones from country ham hunks just for that day." Hardy, who has childhood memories of black-eyed peas simmering on the front burner (and collards on the back burner), has adapted the recipe over the years; he now serves the hearty peas with garlic-rubbed toasts and garnishes them with generous amounts of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. More Southern Recipes

By Ryan Hardy

Updated on December 19, 2019

New Year's Day Black-Eyed Peas — Photo: © Rob Howard

Active Time:

30 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 30 mins

Yield:

10

Ingredients

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 very large onion, finely chopped
1 very large carrot, finely chopped
5 garlic cloves—4 minced, 1 whole
1 pound dried black-eyed peas (about 2 1/4 cups), soaked overnight and drained
Two 1-pound smoked ham hocks
2 quarts chicken stock or low-sodium broth
2 bay leaves
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 small baguette, sliced diagonally 3/4 inch thick
Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, for serving

Directions

In a large, enameled cast-iron casserole, heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Add the onion, carrot and minced garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the drained black-eyed peas, ham hocks, chicken stock and bay leaves and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to very low, cover partially and cook until the beans are tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Season generously with salt and pepper and let stand for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350°. Toast the bread slices in the oven for about 8 minutes, until golden. Brush lightly with olive oil and rub lightly with the garlic clove.
Drain the black-eyed peas; discard the ham hocks and bay leaves. Transfer the peas to a serving bowl. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Serve the black-eyed peas with the garlic toasts, passing grated cheese at the table.

Make Ahead

The black-eyed peas can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.