Ham Hocks and Crowder Peas From 'Down South'

Smoked ham hocks are a magical, transformative ingredient. The collagen-rich bony cuts of pork leg boast intense levels of umami and the ability to turn mere water into a silky broth in a matter of hours (a.k.a. pot liquor). Throw in freshly shelled crowder peas (a small Southern shell bean) to that cooking water, as Donald Link does in his new cookbook, Down South, and you'll wind up with a homey yet flavor-packed dish.

Healthy and Delicious: Southern-Style Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon

Daniel Boulud's Southern-Style Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon is perfectly spicy with a deep (but not overwhelming) bacon flavor. After a first few bites, my boyfriend and I couldn’t get enough.

Hearty One-Pot Black-Eyed Pea Stew With Kale and Andouille

This easy black eyed pea stew starts with andouille sausage and pork belly cooked until browned and crisped, then gets flavored with the Holy Trinity of Cajun cuisine: onions, celery, and green bell peppers, along with some leeks and garlic for extra flavor. Tender braised kale transform this into a full-on meal, while a shot of apple cider vinegar brightens up all the flavors.

Cuban Black Beans and Rice

Classic Cuban sides for all kinds of meals.

Hoppin' John

This version of Hoppin' John, a Southern and New Year's Day staple, features tender and earthy field peas cooked with fluffy rice and rich and smoky ham hocks.

Pea and Ham Soup

Sensational "throw it all in the slow cooker" Pea and Ham Soup. The onion rises floats and sautes in the ham fat as it slow cooks! Full of flavour, thick and creamy.

Braised Collard Greens With Ham Hocks

A classic pot of braised collards has deep, smoky pork flavor and meltingly tender greens.

Ham and Bean Soup

A rich, hearty, and undeniably satisfying soup loaded with navy beans, smoky ham, and lots of vegetables.

Easy Sausage, Kale, and Black-Eyed Pea Soup With Lemon and Rosemary

An easy, hearty, sausage and kale soup with black eyed peas, flavored with rosemary and lemon zest.

Smoky Barbecue Beans

These barbecue beans are deeply spiced with paprika, cumin, and plenty of black pepper, and given added depth with dried red chiles. Chunks of smoked meat (sausage, leftover barbecue, or whatever else you have on hand) add a campfire fragrance to round them out.