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New Year's Black-Eyed Peas (Hoppin' John)

New Year's Black-Eyed Peas (Hoppin' John)

By Traeger Kitchen

These black eyed peas are simmered with thick-cut bacon, aromatic fresh herbs, and the perfect amount of garlic. A Southern staple on New Year's Day, the dish is purported to bring good luck. Even if it doesn't, it's delicious served up with collard greens and corn bread. (And, when mixed with cooked rice is known as Hoppin' John.) If you have the time, you can smoke pork belly on the Traeger to make your own slab bacon. Otherwise, look for slab bacon at the market near the sliced bacon. Soaking the beans for at least a few hours (and up to 12 hours) makes them cook more quickly.

Prep Time

15 Min

Cook Time

3 Hrs
40 Min

Pellets

Apple

Ingredients

Number of People Serving

10

Units of Measurement:
main
1 1/2 Pound smoked slab bacon
2 Tablespoon garlic, minced
10 Cup unsalted chicken stock
1 Pound dried black-eyed peas, soaked and drained
4 Whole Bay leaves
2 Teaspoon dried thyme, plus more for serving
2 Cup fresh chopped parsley, plus more for serving
1 Teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 Teaspoon black pepper
Cooked rice (optional)

Step

  • 1

    Heat the Traeger temperature with the lid closed to 350°F; this will take about 15 minutes. Line a plate with paper towel.

    350 ˚F / 177 ˚C

    00:15

  • 2

    Heat a large Dutch oven or cast-iron pot on the stove over medium heat. Cut the bacon into 1-inch pieces place in Dutch oven. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is nicely browned on all sides. With a slotted spoon, transfer the bacon to the plate.

  • 3

    Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Add the chicken stock, black-eyed peas, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, and pepper. Return the bacon to the pot.

  • 4

    Cover the pot and place it directly on the grill grates. Cook, covered, for 1 hour.

    350 ˚F / 177 ˚C

    01:00

  • 5

    Remove the lid and cook until the beans are tender, 30 minutes to 1 hour; the time will vary depending on the weather, your grill, and how long the beans soaked. Remove from the Traeger, season to taste with salt and black pepper. If you like, mix in cooked white rice for Hoppin' John. Serve garnished with additional parsley. Enjoy!

    350 ˚F / 177 ˚C

    00:30

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