Good Southern black-eyed peas are absolutely worth the time.

Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern black-eyed peas are tender and creamy without going mushy.

Learn how to make classic Southern black-eyed peas.

southern black-eyed peas in a bowl

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Let stand at room temperature at least 4 hours or up to overnight.

Remove ham hocks:

Uncover pan and remove ham hocks to a plate.

Stir salt and pepper into peas; simmer, uncovered, until peas are tender, about 45 minutes.

Southern Living Southern Black Eyed Peas ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Stir meat into peas.

Discard bay leaves and thyme sprigs before serving.

Southern Living Southern Black Eyed Peas soaking the peas

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Southern Black Eyed Peas cooking ion the onion and celery

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Southern Black Eyed Peas adding the rest of the ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Black Eyed Peas simmering with the ham hocks until tender

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Black Eyed Peas removing the ham hocks to a plate

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Black Eyed Peas simmering the peas after removing the hocks

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Southern Black Eyed Peas stirring the ham hocks into the peas

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Black Eyed Peas in the pot ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox