Slow-Cooker Crockpot Black Eyed Peas with Smoked Turkey (No Soak)

These Southern Black Eyed Peas are made in your slow-cooker or Crockpot using dried beans, smoked turkey, and a few staples for amazing flavor. No need to soak these! Let your appliance do all of the work. This soul food dish is perfect for Sunday dinners and New Years when you’re looking for some additional luck and prosperity.

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Why Do We Eat Black Eyed Peas

For all of my life my family has eaten black eyed peas to bring in the New Year. We would also eat them for typical family dinners alongside a nice pot of collard greens. A pound of peas costs about $1. Making the entire meal is less than $10 in cost. It’s very economical and we ate this dish quite a bit!

The Southern Tradition for New Years surrounds the belief of luck and prosperity. The tradition states this dish should be your first meal of the year.

And though they are called peas, they are actually beans. Like most beans, these are very nutritious and loaded with fiber and protein.

Do You Need to Soak Them?

You don’t need to soak these thanks to the slow-cooker or Crockpot! If you do soak your beans you can try cutting the cook time in half. I haven’t tested this, because there’s no need.

Traditionally, these are soaked overnight in order to reduce the cooking time. If you’re worried about gas, soaking beans has been said to assist with that. In general, black eyed peas are a lot less gassy than pinto beans and black beans.

What Meat is Used to Season the Peas

My family switched from using salt pork and ham hocks to season our beans years ago. We now use either a smoked turkey leg or turkey wing. I find it in the meat section of my grocery store. You may have to ask around for it or use another option listed below.

You can of course still use ham hocks, salt pork, country ham, a ham bone, or even bacon.

What Kind of Stock/Broth to Use

I like to use chicken broth or stock. You can use either and you can use whatever you like, such as vegetable.

Can You Cook Them in Water?

Yes, you can substitute water for the broth. Broth will add flavor.

How to Make Black Eyed Peas in the Slow Cooker Without Soaking

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Add black eyed peas, onions, garlic, broth, smoked turkey, Creole seasoning, and bay leaf to the slow-cooker.
2. Place the lid on. Slow cook.
3. Remove the lid and remove the smoked turkey and bay leaf. Shred the meat from the smoked turkey and return it to the pot if you wish.
4. Serve.

How Long to Cook/Cook Time/How to Tell When Done

Decide how you like your beans. Do you like me them firm, soft, or mushy? Check in on the beans frequently while they cook. The cook time will depend on your texture preference. I like for them to be soft, but not mushy. I typically cook them for about 7 1/2 hours on Low. I prefer the Low setting because it will get the turkey really tender. It will get tender when cooked on High, but not as tender if cooked on Low in my opinion.

You can test if the beans are done by grabbing one bean out of the pot and mashing it with a spoon or fork.

Optional Ingredients and Ideas

• Collard Greens (Add these to the pot while the black eyed peas cook)
• Chopped Celery
• Chopped Tomatoes
• Chopped Green Peppers
• Chopped Red Peppers

How to Use Leftover Broth in the Pot

Don’t throw out that broth! That “pot liquor” or “pot likker” is loaded with tons of nutrients. It’s the reason I like to use 6 cups of broth in the recipe. You can use it in other soup recipes, enjoy it with the beans, or simply sip it.

Can You Make them Ahead? How Long Will They Last in the Fridge

They will last 3-5 days in the fridge, tightly covered.

Freezer Tips

These will freeze for up to 9 months. I often freeze my batch for New Year’s in advance! This is a great hack. Be sure to store them tightly sealed. I like to leave them in the broth so that when I defrost they are loaded with flavor.

How to Double the Recipe

You can double all of the ingredients with no change to cook time.

How to Make the Dish Vegetarian

Omit the smoked turkey. Use vegetable broth. Add in 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for flavor.

Cornbread for Pairing

Southern Soul Food Cornbread
Cornbread Muffins
Sweet Potato Cornbread
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread

Main Dish Pairings

Slow Cooker Turkey Legs
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Wings
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Necks

Pair With These Recipes

Southern Sweet Potato Casserole
Cornbread Dressing
Homemade Creamed Corn
Sweet Potatoes Au Gratin
Southern Coleslaw Recipe
Southern Potato Salad
Southern Green Beans
Fried Cabbage
Grand Marnier Cranberry Sauce
Okra and Tomatoes

More Black Eyed Peas Recipes

Southern Black Eyed Peas Recipe
Instant Pot Black Eyed Peas