I’m a Brooklyn girl with down south roots and I love me some Soul Food. Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey Necks is one of my favorite dishes. Throw it over some white rice or even eat it alone and you have a hearty and healthy meal. Black eyed peas are full of protein and help to lower cholesterol. Can’t go wrong with dishes that are tasty and good for you.
I remember my Grandma used to make Black Eyed Peas every New Years Eve as part of our first meal of the year as it is said that they bring good luck. I used to watch her closely and the only thing that I changed is the type of meat . My Grandma used pork neck bones or slab bacon and bacon grease. I no longer eat pork so I use the smoked turkey necks and chicken grease instead. Whenever I fry chicken I keep the leftover grease in the fridge since I use in in my black eyed peas, collard greens and cabbage. So I always have some on hand. This recipe is easy but requires a little preparation in advance.
What you will need…
roughly 2 lbs of smoked turkey necks (about 10 pieces)
1 lb bag of dried black eyed peas
about a 1/4 cup of leftover chicken grease (grease used to fry chicken)
salt
pepper
cooked white rice
Preparation…
Soak the dried black eyed peas overnight or for at least 6 hours in cold water. Make sure that there is enough water in the dish to cover the peas completely as they will swell. When the peas are ready, sort through them for any that are bruised or broken and remove to discard. Rinse well.
In a large pot, bring about 5 cups of water to a boil and add the smoked turkey necks. Cook on medium heat for about twenty minutes. Add the black eyed peas slowly while stirring. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for four hours stirring constantly.
About halfway through, stir in the chicken grease and add salt and pepper to taste. You don’t really need any other seasonings since black eyed peas are naturally flavorful and the smoked turkey necks and chicken grease will add flavor while the peas cook. I like the juice in my peas thick but if you like a thinner juice just add more water, and salt & pepper to taste.
That’s it. Now serve in a bowl over white rice and enjoy!
By the way, you can freeze the leftovers in a freezer storage bag and reheat on the stove. Tastes just as good as fresh.
40 Responses
you know what i just love black eye beans…thanx for the recipe…
No problem!
I’m a country girl so I love this. I just cooked black eye peas yesterday and ox tails.
Looks tasty! Can I substitute the chicken grease for something else like regular margarine or even a broth?
Yes, but don’t use the margerine. The chicken grease is just to add flavor and thickens the juice a bit so you can just use the chicken broth and a little less water 🙂
Looks good. Now you have me hungry
Thanx for the recipe
No problem! 🙂
Omg this is so my favorite
Can you use black eyed peas from a can?
Yup, canned beans are fine
I thought i needed to get as much meat off the bone then throw the bones away….help
No leave the bones in, they add flavor. I like to nibble on them to get the rest of the meat off 🙂
Did u season the meat??
No it doesn’t need it. Smoked Turkey already has a distinct flavor
can I use smoked turkey tails..I also would prefer to use chicken broth for flavor instead of chicken grease, is that okay? Can this also be done in crock pot, if so, any idea how long? Look GOOD.
You can use turkey tails and chicken broth is fine. You can do it in a crock pot as well but I don’t know exactly how long it’s going to take.
Best recipe I have seen yet…Thanks!!!!
John Thanks Erica, hope I can make right.
I made them a couple of weeks ago but I only used half the bag. I’m making them today with a whole bag. I didn’t use chicken grease .I used chicken broth. Very tasteful.thank you
That’s a nice healthy change. Glad you enjoyed it!
I made this exactly same recipe but I had only turkey necks, is that OK?
Yes this is fine, that’s what I used
Can you use fresh turkey necks?
I don’t think they would impart the same flavor as smoked
Had to improvise, fresh turkey necks salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Yummy.
Glad it worked out for you 🙂
This is exactly how I make the omit the grease…I like mine thick as well over rice and cornbread muffin sprinkled on top…so delicious…
I’m actually making a pot this weekend with some homemade sweet cornbread. Yum 🙂
Thanks! Gotta try it!
Erica! You are my kind of girl!! This is how I make my black eyes, pintos even greens. Anything smoked gives great flavor along with the broth. I have my black eyes and smoked turkey necks on now. Mmmm good!!! Have a great day!!
I no longer eat meat so I substitute with smoked chipotle pepper sauce, but sometimes I do miss my smoked turkey necks. Enjoy! 🙂
I’ve read all of your comments….from 2011 to 2016. May I ask why you stopped eating meat. I’ve been considering this idea for health reasons personally. How is it working for you?
Oh and did your beans taste as good?
Hi. I stopped eating meat as it’s just a healthier lifestyle and helps me to keep my weight in check. The beans are still good, it’s all about proper seasoning. 🙂
Your recipe is great. This is how I remembered my mother made her black eyed peas for new year. Creamy.
Thank you. My Grandma made it the same 🙂
I’m doing your recipe it looks so delicious. Only thing is I don’t have chicken grease or broth what’s a good substitute?
Vegetable broth or bouillon!
how much water can I use if I do the chicken broth
Wonderful recipe