Easy Slow Cooker Southern Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey (No Soak!)

Discover the ultimate comfort food with these incredibly flavorful Southern Black Eyed Peas, made effortlessly in your slow cooker or Crockpot. This recipe harnesses the power of dried beans, savory smoked turkey, and a selection of simple pantry staples to create a dish bursting with amazing, authentic taste. The best part? There’s absolutely no need for pre-soaking the beans! Simply let your trusty slow cooker handle all the work, transforming humble ingredients into a rich, soul-satisfying meal.

This traditional Southern soul food dish is a cherished staple, perfect for cozy Sunday dinners, family gatherings, or as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity to kick off the New Year. Get ready to enjoy a deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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Why Southern Black Eyed Peas are a Must-Have Tradition

For generations, black eyed peas have held a special place at the Southern table, particularly as a cherished tradition for welcoming the New Year. In my family, and countless others across the South, a pot of these humble beans is the cornerstone of the New Year’s Day meal, believed to bring luck and prosperity for the coming twelve months. The tradition often dictates that black eyed peas should be the very first meal consumed on January 1st to ensure good fortune throughout the year. Paired with collard greens (representing money) and cornbread (representing gold), they form a symbolic trio for a prosperous start.

Beyond their symbolic value, black eyed peas are also a beloved part of everyday Southern cuisine. They frequently appear alongside comforting family dinners, often served with a side of savory collard greens. This dish isn’t just rich in tradition; it’s also incredibly economical. A single pound of dried black eyed peas costs very little, and the entire meal can be prepared for under $10, making it a budget-friendly and delicious choice for any occasion. Despite their common name, black eyed peas are technically a type of bean, and like most legumes, they are wonderfully nutritious, packed with essential fiber and protein.

The No-Soak Secret: Slow Cooker Convenience

One of the greatest advantages of preparing black eyed peas in a slow cooker or Crockpot is the absolute elimination of the pre-soaking step. Traditionally, dried beans are soaked overnight to rehydrate them, significantly reducing their cooking time on the stovetop. However, your slow cooker handles this task beautifully, tenderizing the beans over several hours without any prior preparation.

While some still choose to soak their beans, particularly if they are concerned about the digestive effects or “gas,” it’s generally not necessary for black eyed peas. These legumes are naturally less gas-producing than other beans like pinto or black beans, and the slow-cooking process further aids in breaking down the complex carbohydrates that can sometimes cause discomfort. This means you can simply rinse your beans, toss them into the slow cooker, and let your appliance work its magic, saving you time and effort without compromising on taste or texture.

The Best Meats to Season Your Black Eyed Peas

The secret to truly irresistible Southern Black Eyed Peas lies in the choice of seasoning meat. While traditional recipes often call for pork products, my family made a delicious and healthier switch years ago. We now consistently use a smoked turkey leg or turkey wing to infuse our beans with a rich, savory, and smoky depth of flavor. Smoked turkey provides a fantastic alternative to pork, offering a similar umami kick without being overly greasy.

You can typically find smoked turkey legs and wings in the meat section of most grocery stores. If you have trouble locating them, don’t hesitate to ask your butcher or explore other popular seasoning options. For those who prefer classic flavors, traditional choices like ham hocks, salt pork, country ham, a leftover ham bone, or even smoked bacon will also yield delicious results, each contributing its unique smoky and salty notes to the peas.

Broth vs. Water: Enhancing Flavor

When it comes to the liquid base for your black eyed peas, the choice between broth and water can significantly impact the final flavor. I personally love using chicken broth or chicken stock because it adds an incredible layer of savory depth and richness that water simply cannot provide. The broth infuses the beans with flavor as they slowly cook, resulting in a more complex and satisfying taste.

However, if chicken broth isn’t available or if you’re aiming for a vegetarian dish, vegetable broth is an excellent alternative that still contributes a good amount of savory flavor. While you absolutely can cook black eyed peas in plain water, I highly recommend using broth whenever possible to elevate the overall taste of your dish. If you do opt for water, be sure to be generous with your seasonings to compensate for the lack of inherent flavor.

Simple Steps: How to Make Black Eyed Peas in the Slow Cooker

Preparing these Southern Black Eyed Peas in your slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort for a maximum flavor payoff. The “set it and forget it” nature of the slow cooker makes this recipe perfect for busy days or when you simply want to enjoy a comforting meal without constant supervision. The detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s a quick overview of the simple process:

1. Begin by rinsing your dried black eyed peas thoroughly under cold water to remove any surface impurities.
2. Combine all the ingredients into your slow cooker: the rinsed black eyed peas, chopped onions, minced garlic, chicken (or vegetable) broth, smoked turkey leg or wing, a generous amount of Creole seasoning, and a bay leaf.
3. Place the lid firmly on the slow cooker.
4. Cook on the “Low” setting for several hours until the beans are tender and the smoked turkey is falling off the bone, or on “High” for a quicker cook.
5. Once cooked, remove the lid, take out the smoked turkey and bay leaf. If desired, shred the tender turkey meat and stir it back into the pot for extra flavor and texture.
6. Serve your piping hot, flavorful black eyed peas and enjoy the taste of Southern tradition!

Achieving Perfect Tenderness: Cook Time Guide

The cooking time for your black eyed peas will ultimately depend on your personal texture preference and the specific model of your slow cooker. Some people prefer their beans slightly firm, offering a bit of bite, while others crave a soft, melt-in-your-mouth creaminess. The beauty of slow cooking is that it allows you to achieve either with careful monitoring.

I personally enjoy my black eyed peas to be wonderfully soft but not entirely mushy. For this ideal texture, and to ensure the smoked turkey becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, I typically cook them for about 7 to 7 ½ hours on the “Low” setting. I find that the “Low” setting, while taking longer, yields far more tender meat and a more evenly cooked bean compared to the “High” setting. While the turkey will still be tender on “High,” it won’t quite reach that exquisite, fall-off-the-bone consistency that “Low” provides.

To determine if your beans are done to your liking, simply take a single bean out of the pot using a slotted spoon. Place it on a plate or cutting board and mash it gently with a spoon or fork. If it mashes easily and feels creamy, they’re ready! If it still feels hard or chalky, continue cooking and check again every 30-60 minutes.

Creative Additions & Optional Ingredients

While these Southern Black Eyed Peas are incredibly delicious on their own, a few extra ingredients can elevate the flavor and texture, adding another layer of depth to this classic dish. Consider these optional additions to customize your pot of peas:

• Collard Greens: For an authentic Southern touch and added nutrients, stir in chopped collard greens during the last hour or two of cooking. They will wilt down beautifully and absorb all the rich flavors of the pot.
• Chopped Celery: Adding finely chopped celery introduces a subtle freshness and aromatic quality, contributing to the savory base.
• Chopped Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes, either fresh or canned (drained), can add a touch of acidity and sweetness, brightening the overall flavor profile.
• Chopped Green Peppers: Green bell peppers provide a mild, slightly bitter, and earthy note that complements the richness of the beans and meat.
• Chopped Red Peppers: For a sweeter, fruitier bell pepper flavor, use red peppers. They also add a lovely pop of color to the dish.

Savoring the “Pot Liquor”: Nutrient-Rich Broth

After you’ve enjoyed every last spoonful of your delicious black eyed peas, whatever you do, do NOT discard the leftover broth in the pot! This flavorful liquid is known in the South as “pot liquor” or “pot likker,” and it’s a culinary treasure. Far from just a residual liquid, pot liquor is a concentrated essence of all the wonderful flavors and nutrients that cooked out of the beans, meat, and vegetables.

This is precisely why I recommend using a generous 6 cups of broth in the original recipe; it ensures you’ll have plenty of this liquid gold left over. Pot liquor is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it directly with your beans, soaking it up with a piece of cornbread, or simply sip it on its own for a comforting and nutritious boost. It also makes an excellent base for other soup recipes, gravies, or can be used in place of regular broth in various savory dishes to add a unique depth of flavor.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

These Southern Black Eyed Peas are an excellent dish to prepare in advance, making them perfect for meal prepping or getting ahead for a holiday feast. Once cooked, allow them to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. When properly stored in the refrigerator, they will maintain their delicious flavor and texture for 3-5 days. They often taste even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld and deepen.

To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of extra broth or water if they appear too thick. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. This convenience makes them a fantastic option for wholesome weekday lunches or quick, comforting dinners.

Freezing for Future Feasts

Planning ahead for a New Year’s Day celebration or simply want to have a stash of delicious black eyed peas on hand? Freezing is an excellent option! These slow cooker black eyed peas freeze beautifully and can be stored for up to 9 months without significant loss of quality. In fact, freezing a batch in advance for New Year’s is one of my favorite time-saving hacks.

To freeze, ensure the cooked peas have cooled completely. Transfer them to freezer-safe bags or airtight containers, making sure to include plenty of the flavorful “pot liquor.” The broth helps to protect the peas from freezer burn and preserves their rich taste and texture when defrosted. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop until warmed through. This method ensures you have a ready-to-eat taste of Southern comfort whenever the craving strikes.

Scaling Up: How to Double This Recipe

Whether you’re feeding a large family, hosting a gathering, or simply want to ensure you have plenty of leftovers for future meals, this slow cooker black eyed pea recipe is incredibly easy to double. You can confidently double all of the ingredients – the dried peas, broth, vegetables, and seasoning meat – without needing to make any significant adjustments to the cooking time. The generous capacity of most slow cookers makes it ideal for preparing larger batches.

Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to comfortably hold all the ingredients. While the cook time remains generally the same, it’s always a good practice to check for doneness towards the end of the cooking cycle, especially if your slow cooker is very full, to ensure the beans have reached your preferred tenderness. This flexibility makes it a fantastic, versatile recipe for any occasion.

Making it Vegetarian

While the smoked turkey adds an undeniable depth of flavor to these Southern Black Eyed Peas, it’s incredibly simple to adapt this recipe for a delicious vegetarian or vegan version. To make the dish vegetarian, you will need to omit the smoked turkey entirely. Instead of chicken broth, be sure to use vegetable broth to maintain the savory liquid base. To replicate some of that rich, smoky flavor profile that the turkey provides, I highly recommend adding ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or adjust to your preferred level of spice). The smoked paprika will infuse a deep, woodsy aroma, while the red pepper flakes will offer a gentle warmth, ensuring your meat-free black eyed peas are just as satisfying and flavorful.

Perfect Pairings for Your Black Eyed Peas

Southern Black Eyed Peas are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a hearty main course or a flavorful side. Here are some classic Southern pairings to complete your meal:

Cornbread Companions

No plate of black eyed peas is truly complete without a generous slice of cornbread to soak up all that delicious pot liquor.
Southern Soul Food CornbreadCornbread MuffinsSweet Potato CornbreadJalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

Hearty Main Dish Pairings

If you’re serving black eyed peas as a side, here are some excellent main courses that complement their rich flavor:
Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey WingsSlow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Necks

Classic Southern Side Dishes

Round out your Southern feast with these beloved side dishes:
Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Cornbread DressingHomemade Creamed Corn
Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Southern Potato Salad
Southern Green Beans
Fried Cabbage
Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
Okra and Tomatoes

More Black Eyed Pea Recipe Inspirations

If you love black eyed peas, you might also enjoy exploring these other delicious recipes for preparing them:
Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas

Slow Cooker Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey

Brandi Crawford

These Southern Black Eyed Peas are incredibly easy to make in your slow cooker or Crockpot. Using dried beans, savory smoked turkey, and a blend of classic Southern seasonings, this recipe delivers amazing flavor without the need for pre-soaking. A comforting soul food staple, perfect for Sunday dinners or to usher in good luck and prosperity for the New Year.

5 out of 5 stars from 8 votes

Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 4-7.5 hrs

Total Time 4 hrs 10 mins – 7 hrs 40 mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish

Cuisine Southern, Soul Food, American

Servings 10 servings

Calories 119 kcal

Equipment You’ll Need

• Slow Cooker
• Slotted Spoon

Ingredients List

• 1 cup chopped white onion
• 3 garlic cloves Minced.
• 6 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 pound bag dried black eyed peas Rinsed thoroughly to remove any debris.
• 1 pound smoked turkey leg About 1 to 1 ½ pounds, fully cooked. Turkey wings or traditional ham hocks are excellent substitutes.
• 1 teaspoon Creole Seasoning (adjust to taste, or use your favorite spice blend for Southern cooking)
• 1 bay leaf

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Begin by rinsing your dried black eyed peas under cold running water to remove any surface dirt or debris. Drain well.
2. Carefully add all of the ingredients to your slow cooker: the rinsed black eyed peas, chopped white onion, minced garlic cloves, chicken broth (or vegetable broth), smoked turkey leg, Creole seasoning, and the bay leaf. Ensure that all solid ingredients are mostly submerged in the liquid.
3. Place the lid securely on the slow cooker. Cook on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours if you prefer a firmer bean, or on the LOW setting for 7-8 hours for a softer, more tender result where the turkey will be exceptionally fall-off-the-bone tender.
4. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid. Take out the smoked turkey leg and the bay leaf. If you wish, shred the tender meat from the smoked turkey leg and return it to the pot to mix with the peas, adding more hearty flavor.
5. To test for doneness and preferred texture, grab one black eyed pea out of the pot using a spoon and mash it with a fork. It should be tender and creamy, not hard or chalky. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste if needed.
6. Serve your delicious Southern Black Eyed Peas hot, alongside your favorite cornbread or other Southern sides. Enjoy!

Helpful Recipe Notes

• No Soaking Required: The beauty of using a slow cooker for black eyed peas is that pre-soaking the beans overnight is completely optional. The long, slow cooking process tenderizes them beautifully without it. If you prefer to soak them, you might reduce the cooking time slightly, but it’s generally not necessary for this method.
• Rinse Beans Thoroughly: Always rinse dried black eyed peas under cold water before cooking to remove any surface dirt or debris.
• Achieving Your Ideal Texture: The cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker model and your desired bean texture. For firm beans, lean towards the shorter cooking times (3-4 hours on High). For softer, more tender peas that melt in your mouth, opt for the longer cooking times (7-8 hours on Low). Continuously check on them to find your perfect consistency.
• The Benefit of Low Heat: Cooking on the “Low” setting is highly recommended, especially when using smoked turkey. This extended cooking time allows the turkey to become incredibly tender, practically falling off the bone, infusing the peas with maximum flavor. While “High” will cook the turkey, “Low” yields a superior tenderness.
• Meat Seasoning Alternatives: While smoked turkey leg is a fantastic choice, feel free to use traditional Southern seasoning meats like ham hocks, a leftover ham bone, salt pork, country ham, or even smoked bacon for an equally flavorful result.
• Doubling the Recipe: This recipe doubles easily! Simply double all the ingredients. The cook time will remain largely the same, but always check for doneness as described. You may use the same amount of smoked turkey or opt for a slightly larger piece for more meaty flavor.
• Seasoning Customization: Creole seasoning provides a wonderful, zesty kick. However, feel free to substitute it with your preferred spice blend or individual spices like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to tailor the flavor to your liking.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: For a vegetarian version, simply omit the smoked turkey. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and consider adding ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes (or more to taste) to replicate some of that smoky depth and a hint of spice.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 0.5 cup
Calories: 119 kcal
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Protein: 10 g
Fat: 2 g

Nutrition Data Disclaimer

Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This data is typically calculated using third-party tools (like MyFitnessPal.com) and is an estimate. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for your specific meal, you should calculate it with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful for your dietary needs.

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