Hearty Texan classic with smoky bacon, jalapeños, and Rotel tomatoes. Creamy, flavorful, and ready for cozy meals.
# What You'll Need:
→ Legumes
01 - 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and sorted
→ Meats
02 - 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, diced
→ Vegetables and Aromatics
03 - 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
06 - 2 (10-ounce) cans Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
→ Liquids
07 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 2 cups water
→ Spices and Seasonings
09 - 2 teaspoons chili powder
10 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - 1 teaspoon cumin
12 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
14 - 2 bay leaves
→ Garnishes
15 - 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
16 - Sliced green onions
# Directions:
01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Add the chopped onion and jalapeños to the pot and sauté in the bacon fat for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the rinsed black-eyed peas, cooked bacon, Rotel tomatoes with juice, chicken broth, water, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, salt, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
03 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
04 - After 1 hour, check the peas for tenderness. Simmer uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the peas are creamy and the liquid has thickened to your desired consistency.
05 - Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and green onions if desired.
