Pat: Black-eyed peas, simmered with fatty pork (such as ham hocks or bacon), have been a staple in the South for hundreds of years. Inexpensive, easy to grow, and easy to store, they provide protein and nourishment and, many believe, good fortune (which is why eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day is a Southern tradition). Some even eat greens, meant to symbolize money, alongside of them. Don’t worry if at the end of the cooking process these beans seem a little watery. To cream them up, mash the beans against the side of the pot with the back of a spoon, or purée a cup of them in the blender and add them back in. These black-eyed peas are great poured over warm cornbread, and are a perfect side with grilled or fried pork chops.

　　

Ingredients

serves 6 to 8

　　1 pound black-eyed peas (dried or fresh)

　　2 tablespoons vegetable oil

　　4 ounces pork shoulder, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

　　3 strips thick-sliced bacon, cut into 1/2 inch pieces

　　1 medium onion, diced small

　　4 garlic cloves, sliced

　　1 1/2 teaspoons salt

　　1 teaspoon black pepper

　　1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

　　1 teaspoon garlic powder

　　4 cups Chicken Stock (page 28)

　　3 bay leaves

　　Hot pepper vinegar, as desired

　　

Step 1

If using dried black-eyed peas, place them in a large pot and cover with about 4 inches of water. Soak the beans overnight, then drain and rinse. Alternatively, you can “quick-soak” the beans: bring them and the water to a boil for 2 minutes, then remove them from the heat, and cover the pot and soak for 1 hour. Drain and rinse the beans.

　　

Step 2

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the pork. Cook until the pork is browned on all sides, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the bacon, onion, and garlic to the pot, and cook, stirring, for an additional 6 to 8 minutes, until the onion and garlic are lightly browned. Add the salt, black pepper, cayenne, and garlic powder, and cook for 2 more minutes, until the entire mixture is coated with spices. Add the stock, 2 cups water, and the bay leaves, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes.

　　

Step 3

When the pork begins to fall apart, add the soaked (or fresh) beans to the pot, and simmer for 1 to 1 1/2 hours more, until the beans are very soft.

　　

Step 4

Using the back of a spoon, smash some of the beans against the inside of the pot, then stir into the mix. This will break up some beans and give them a creamier consistency. Alternatively, you can purée 1 cup of the beans and broth in a blender or a food processor, then return to the pot. Taste for seasonings, add hot pepper vinegar, as desired, and serve.

　　From Down Home with the Neelys by Patrick and Gina Neely Copyright (c) 2009 by Patrick and Gina Neely Published by Knopf.Patrick and Gina Neely are owners of Neely's Bar-B-Que in Memphis and hosts of several Food Network shows, including the series Down Home with the Neelys, one of the highest-rated programs to debut on the popular Food Network. High school sweethearts who reconciled at their ten-year reunion, they have been married since 1994. They live in Memphis with their two daughters.Paula Disbrowe collaborated with Susan Spicer on Crescent City Cooking and is the author of Cowgirl Cuisine.