Black-Eyed Peas with Leftover Smoked Ham

Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 150 min
Servings: 12
Yield: 12 servings

Description

This black-eyed peas dish makes good use of leftover ham and is a great way to ring in the new year.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons bacon drippings
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 stalks celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth, or more to taste
1 (16 ounce) package dried black-eyed peas
2 pounds diced smoked ham
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 bay leaves
2 tablespoons smoked paprika, or to taste
2 tablespoons chili powder, or to taste
1 1/2 teaspoons ground white pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1 Heat bacon drippings in a large pot over medium heat. Cook onion and celery in the hot drippings until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add chicken broth and peas and increase heat to medium-high.
2 Add ham, tomato sauce, bay leaves, and 1/2 of the following spices: paprika, chili powder, white pepper, and oregano; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until beans are tender, about 1 hour 45 minutes. Add remaining spices and season with salt and black pepper. Cook, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
3 Remove bay leaves before serving.