Comforting Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage

Save this recipe on:

There’s something deeply satisfying about a warm bowl of black eyed peas and cabbage simmered until tender and flavorful. This soul-nourishing dish is rooted in Southern tradition and comes together with humble ingredients that deliver big on comfort. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you slow down and savor each bite.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight meal or serving it up for New Year’s Day as a symbol of luck and prosperity, black eyed peas and cabbage offer both nostalgia and nutrition. The hearty beans and buttery-soft cabbage create a delicious balance, while smoked sausage or ham infuses every spoonful with savory depth.

Why You’ll Love This Comforting Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage

This dish is everything you want from a comfort meal: hearty, affordable, and full of flavor. The peas bring a creamy texture, the cabbage absorbs all the goodness from the broth, and the spices warm you from the inside out. It’s also incredibly versatile. Add cornbread on the side and you’ve got a full, satisfying dinner.

Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be easily made vegetarian or vegan if you skip the meat or substitute with plant-based sausage. You’ll find yourself craving this more often than just the holidays.

What Kind of Cabbage Works Best for This Recipe?

Green cabbage is the go-to for this dish thanks to its ability to soften without falling apart. It melds beautifully with the black eyed peas and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture you want. If you’re looking to change it up, Savoy cabbage is a great alternative with a slightly sweeter taste.

Avoid using red cabbage as it tends to bleed color and changes the appearance of the dish, which can be less visually appealing.

Ingredients for the Comforting Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage

This recipe uses wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients that deliver deep, hearty flavor. Make sure to give your cabbage and peas the love they deserve by using fresh when possible.

• Black Eyed Peas
• Green Cabbage
• Onion
• Garlic
• Carrots
• Celery
• Smoked Sausage or Ham Hock
• Chicken or Vegetable Broth
• Olive Oil
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
• Bay Leaf
• Apple Cider Vinegar (just a splash for brightness)

Each ingredient brings its own role to the dish. The peas provide protein and earthiness. The cabbage adds soft, buttery texture. Onion, garlic, celery, and carrot make up a classic flavor base. The sausage or ham adds that smoky, meaty richness that makes the whole pot sing.

How To Make the Comforting Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage

Step 1: Sauté the Flavor Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Add the Meat and Broth

Add your sliced smoked sausage or ham hock to the pot. Stir for a few minutes to let the meat release its flavor. Then pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and toss in the bay leaf.

Step 3: Stir in the Peas

Add the black eyed peas. If you’re using dried peas, make sure they’ve been soaked overnight. If using canned, drain and rinse them first. Bring everything to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Reduce heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes if using canned peas, or 60-75 minutes if using dried peas. Check occasionally, adding more broth if needed.

Step 5: Add the Cabbage

Stir in the chopped green cabbage and cook another 20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

How to Serve and Store Your Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage

This dish is ideal served piping hot with a slice of crusty cornbread or a scoop of buttery rice. It feeds about 6 people generously, making it perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep staple.

Leftovers? Even better. Let the flavors continue to meld in the fridge, and you’ll find it tastes even richer the next day. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months—just reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.

What to Serve With Black Eyed Peas and Cabbage?

Cornbread

A golden slice of cornbread is practically made to go with this dish. Its sweetness balances the savory broth perfectly.

Fried Potatoes

Crispy, skillet-fried potatoes give a satisfying crunch and soak up the delicious juices.

Garlic Green Beans

For a bright veggie side, go with garlicky green beans. They add color and a nice snap.

Rice

Simple white or brown rice can make this dish feel even heartier and is perfect for soaking up the broth.

Sweet Onion Pickles

Tangy and crunchy pickles cut through the richness with a nice zing.

Mac and Cheese

Pair it with a side of creamy mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort meal.

Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

A fun twist on cornbread that adds texture and sweetness. You can find the recipe for them right here.

Want More Hearty Comfort Food Ideas?

If you love this black eyed peas and cabbage recipe, you’ll probably enjoy these cozy favorites:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a rich pasta dinner.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta that’s full of smoky goodness.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a weeknight win.
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce to please a hungry crowd.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for easy skillet comfort.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest comfort food board so you can revisit it anytime.

And if you give it a try, let me know how it turned out. Did you go traditional or add your own spin? Maybe you added extra veggies or swapped the meat for a plant-based twist?

I’d love to hear how you made it yours. Got questions? Drop them in the comments.

Explore more feel-good, wholesome recipes on my Pinterest at Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite comforting dish.

Print

Save this recipe on: