I had some leftover roast pork and summer vegetables (courgettes and peppers) in the fridge and thought the pork would go well with black-eyed peas. In America smoked ham hock and black-eyed peas are often cooked together – they are served as a popular dish on New Year’s Day called Hoppin’ John, which is supposed to bring good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
Black-eyed peas are actually beans, originally coming from West Africa, unlike most other dried beans we eat, which come from the New World. They are low in fat, high in fiber, rich in minerals and contain no cholesterol.
It is thought that black-eyed peas were first taken to Virginia in the 17th Century, where they were cultivated. As a crop, the beans like heat and are drought resistant, which has made them popular in the Southern States.
Pork with Black-Eyed Peas recipe (serves 4):
1 lb leftover roast pork (chopped)
3 rashers of streaky bacon (chopped)
1 large onion (chopped)
1 stick of celery (chopped)
1 carrot (chopped)
1 small red pepper (chopped)
1 small green pepper (chopped)
1 medium courgette (chopped)
6 pieces of garlic (finely chopped)
4 medium tomatoes (grated)
250g dry black-eyed peas (soaked and cooked) or use a 400g tin
a large squirt of tomato purée
a large squirt of anchovy paste
2 bay leaves
a large pinch of crushed chilli
a heaped teaspoon of hot smoked Pimentón de la Vera
a splash of sherry vinegar
a pint of homemade pork stock
extra virgin olive oil for frying
sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste
If using dry black-eyed peas, remember to soak them overnight before use, or if you have a pressure cooker, soak in boiling water for an hour and cook under pressure for 3 – 5 minutes.
Fry the onion in extra virgin olive oil until it goes translucent. Stir in the bacon and a large pinch of dry crushed chilli. Follow that with the carrot and celery, after the bacon has taken some colour. After about five minutes stir in the peppers, courgette and crushed garlic. Grate in the fresh tomatoes (chop in half, grate the wet side and discard the skin) – this Spanish technique is much quicker and easier than blanching! Sprinkle on the hot smoked pimentón, squirt in the purée and anchovy paste plus a splash of sherry vinegar.
Add the pork, black-eyed peas, two bay leaves and stir in the stock. Bring the heat up and season to taste.
Cover the cooking vessel and simmer gently for about 90 minutes. Check the seasoning and cook for a further 30 minutes uncovered.
Serve with rice, boiled potatoes or a hunk of sourdough bread and butter. This will go well with a robust Catalan red wine, such as Vinyes Velles Autòcton Celler.
Have heard of this many a time, but never made or eaten. Perhaps that state should change 🙂 ! Shall copy your recipe with its little Catalan additions and your signature of anchovy paste . . . sounds tasty ! Oh, a tin will be used as that is what is at home . . . .
Thanks Eha – anchovy paste is a convenience. A few anchovies from a tin will also melt in and provide the same savoury taste 😉
Gorgeous, perfect for the weather changes we are now experiencing! Hope you’re well 😀
Yes, thanks Tanya! Perfect autumn comfort food.
Growing up, on New Year’s Day we always had to have a spoon (or two) of black-eyed peas. This was to bring luck in the new year. Some years it worked, some it didn’t. Usually the peas were cooked with leftover Christmas ham.
I just happen to have dried black-eyed peas in the cupboard, will pick the last of my summer quash today and pork roast is on the menu for tomorrow. I do believe you just gave me my lunch recipe for a few days.
Excellent – I love the idea of cooking pork and beans with Christmas Ham – I will be trying that myself.
Your time in the South served you well. 🙂
Thanks Michelle – I was thinking about Gourmandistan when I wrote the post!
While my husband isn’t a fan of plain cooked black-eyed peas, I do know he would love this version. 🙂
Thanks Karen – they definitely appreciate a bit of flavour!
Yes, without it my husband says they taste like wood chips. 😀
ROFL!