The more tenured I become in the kitchen, the more I lean toward making simple dishes. Most of which, I grew up having on Sunday dinners after church. This purple hull peas dish is one of them. The simplest recipes bring me comfort, they’re delicious, and I can feed my large family nutritious meals for far less money than cooking a trendy dish.
When peas were in season growing up, we were in for a treat! My grandmother had a friend named Bubba with a huge farm. He would come over on the weekends to chat with her and give her whatever was bountiful that season. Some seasons she’d have bowls full of fresh corn, cucumbers, and squash. Some seasons it would be greens and peas. It always fascinated me how people were able to grow food. I readily ate anything that I knew was from the garden.
In my adulthood, I’d have to get my purple hull peas from either canned or frozen. I wasn’t as fortunate as Granny to have friends who grew food, but I always remembered how delicious those meals were. A few years ago, a local farmers market started to sell fresh peas and beans and now I look forward to having them every season. I like to stock up and freeze several pounds when the price is good.
Fresh or frozen, they’re just as delicious and remind me of my childhood. I appreciate the ability to share the recipe and the memories with my family and now with you!
How to Cook Purple Hull Peas
Purple hull peas are cooked by simmering in liquid until tender. I like to use chicken broth for added flavor.
Ingredients
1 1/2 fresh purple hull peas with or without snaps (can also use frozen)
4 slices bacon diced
1 medium onion diced
3 cloves garlic minced
1 smoked ham hock
4 cups chicken broth
1/2 lb whole okra optional
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large pot, cook bacon until crisp.
Add in onion to pot with the bacon and cook until soft over medium heat, 3-5 minutes.
Add in garlic and sauté for one additional minute.
Add remaining ingredients (except okra if using), stir to combine.
Let come to a simmer then cover with lid.
Cook over medium low heat until desired doneness, 20-30 minutes.
If using okra, add in during the last 10 minutes of cooking time.
FAQ’s
Are black-eyed peas and purple-hull peas the same thing?
No. While they are closely related, purple hull peas are superior in flavor in my opinion. They have a creamier texture that is not as ‘pasty’ as black-eyed peas.
How long to cook frozen purple hull peas?
30-45 minutes or until desired tenderness. I find that fresh peas cook in a shorter time than frozen.
Why put baking soda in purple hull peas?
Baking soda is sometimes added to purple hull peas and other beans to help with gas. Although I do not use it in my recipe, feel free to add it if you find it necessary.
What to serve with purple hull peas?
Buttermilk Biscuits
Okra
Fried Chicken
Pork Chops
Fried Fish
Purple Hull Peas
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 fresh purple hull peas with or without snaps
- 4 slices bacon diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 smoked ham hock
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 lb whole okra optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook bacon until crisp.
- Add in onion to pot with the bacon and cook until soft over medium heat, 3-5 minutes.
- Add in garlic and sauté for one additional minute.
- Add remaining ingredients (except okra if using), stir to combine.
- Let come to a simmer then cover with lid.
- Cook over medium low heat until desired doneness, 20-30 minutes.
- If using okra, add in during the last 10 minutes of cooking time.
I’ve seen the fresh peas at the store and wanted to try it. Thanks!