In this post I am sharing how to prepare Southern Purple Hull Peas, also known as Pink Eyed Peas.
We’ve just finished off the leftovers from Christmas dinner and have a few days before the last segment of the “holiday meals”. The first dinner of the new year is just as important as the other holiday meals because it brings luck in the coming year.
We could all use a bit of extra luck, right?!? It doesn’t hurt. So on new year’s day, my family, like most other Southern families will dine on greens, field peas, pork and cornbread.
Black eyed peas may be the first field pea that comes to mind. It may in fact be the only one that you are familiar with. There are several Southern field peas however and I’m going to introduce you to the pink ladies.
The “eyed” variety of cow peas or field peas have a few close cousins, nearly twins, that include the black eyed, pink eyed (purple hull or pink ladies), and cream (Southern ladies). These peas also fall under the Carolina pea name.
With so many names, it may seem a bit confusing, but they’re all field peas. If you’re wondering, is there any difference in each, the answer is yes. Not only do they vary in color and although it may be slight, they each offer their own unique taste.
Traditions are a powerful thing in the South and followed without fault. As far as I can remember, new year day supper included collard greens, ham or some other pork, black eyed peas and cornbread.
Even though I wasn’t even that fond of collard greens as a child, I ate them anyways. As I said, tradition is a powerful thing and you just do it. Over the years I have come to love collard greens and enjoy them as often as possible.
Fresh Field Peas
Purple Hull Peas vs Black Eyed Peas
While purple hull (pink eyed) peas and black eyed peas look very much alike, there is a noticeable pinkness to the “eye” and black eyed peas are described as having a more earthy taste.
Truth be told, the taste difference is there and it is so slight and hard to describe. There is a difference though and both of the peas deserve a place on your table.
I’m especially fond of the purple hull peas because I can only get them fresh frozen where I live…or just plain fresh from the farmer’s markets.
Fresh frozen peas cook up much faster than dried beans and don’t require any soaking.
Frozen Field Peas Recipe
How do you cook Southern Purple Hull Peas?It is really easy to cook a delicious pot of fresh field peas and you’ll love this pink eyed variety. Here’s what you’ll need: bacon, ham hock, fresh frozen purple hull peas, chicken broth, water and a little salt & pepper.
You’ll find a full printable recipe further down in this post.
Step 1: Chop up some bacon and throw it in a dutch oven over medium heat. Cook the bacon pieces to render the fat, that delicious and flavorful bacon grease! Once the bacon is crispy and has released all of it’s fat drippings, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and set it aside for later.
Step 2:Next, add an important seasoning component to many Southern dishes…a country ham hock. Next, add the purple hull peas, chicken broth and water to the pot. Give everything a good stir and loosely cover with a lid. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for one hour.
Step 3: Season the peas. Wait to season until the end because the ham hock and chicken broth will add a lot of seasoning and flavor in cooking. If needed add a bit of salt then add some ground black pepper and cook another ten minutes.
The peas should be tender but not mushy.
Best Southern Purple Hull Peas Recipe
Yield: 1 Pot of Peas
Southern Purple Hull Peas or Pink Eyes are a delicious variety of field peas. While they're all similar, each adds its own unique quality.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 4-5 Strips of Bacon, cut into pieces
- 1 Country Ham Hock
- 1.5-2 lbs Fresh Frozen Purple Hull Peas
- 32 oz Chicken Broth
- 2 c Water, more or less as needed to cover the peas
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the bacon pieces in a dutch oven over medium heat until crispy and all the fat has rendered. Remove the cooked pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add the ham hock to the pot then add the peas.
- Next, slowly add the chicken broth and water.
- Cover the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Cook for 1 hour.
- Taste the broth of the peas and add salt if needed.
- Next add ground black pepper.
- Pink eyed peas should be tender but not mushy when done.
- Serve as a side dish or as the main meal with a side cornbread.
Notes
The reserved bacon pieces may be used for garnish or refrigerate to use as a salad topping.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1 cup
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 180Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 16mgSodium: 720mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 8gSugar: 10gProtein: 14g
Southern Purple Hull Peas
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See this recipe shared at Weekend Potluck and Meal Plan Monday.
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Home » Southern Purple Hull Peas
Author of Julia's Simply Southern
About Julia
Hey Y'all! I'm Julia, the cook and writer behind the recipes here at Julia's Simply Southern. I began my website so that I could share easy to follow recipes that anyone can use to put a home cooked meal on the dinner table. Thanks so much for stopping by!
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As an expert and enthusiast in Southern cuisine, particularly field peas, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the culinary traditions that make Southern cooking unique. My experience extends beyond mere familiarity with recipes; it encompasses a profound appreciation for the cultural significance of dishes like Southern Purple Hull Peas and the various field peas that grace the tables of Southern families.
In the realm of Southern field peas, I am well-versed in the nuances that distinguish each variety. The article you've provided delves into the preparation of Southern Purple Hull Peas, also known as Pink Eyed Peas, highlighting their place in the cherished tradition of New Year's Day supper. The significance of this meal in bringing luck for the coming year is deeply ingrained in Southern culture, and I understand the importance of adhering to these culinary customs.
The article introduces readers to the diversity within the family of "eyed" cow peas or field peas, which includes well-known varieties like black-eyed peas, pink-eyed (purple hull or pink ladies), and cream (Southern ladies). These peas are also known collectively as Carolina peas, adding a layer of complexity to their nomenclature. I can elucidate the subtle differences in color and taste among these peas, offering a comprehensive understanding of their unique characteristics.
The author emphasizes the regional traditions surrounding New Year's Day supper, featuring collard greens, ham or pork, black-eyed peas, and cornbread. Despite personal preferences, the adherence to these traditions is presented as a powerful and unwavering force, shaping the culinary landscape of Southern households.
Regarding the preparation of Southern Purple Hull Peas, the article provides a detailed recipe, emphasizing the ease of cooking this delightful dish. From the selection of ingredients such as bacon, ham hock, and fresh frozen purple hull peas to the step-by-step cooking process in a dutch oven, I can vouch for the authenticity and deliciousness of this approach. The inclusion of a country ham hock, chicken broth, and a precise seasoning process contributes to the rich flavor profile of the dish.
Moreover, I am familiar with the distinction between purple hull (pink-eyed) peas and black-eyed peas, with the former exhibiting a noticeable pinkness in the "eye" and a slightly different taste often described as more earthy. I can further emphasize the benefits of using fresh frozen peas, which cook up faster than dried beans and eliminate the need for soaking.
In conclusion, I am not only an expert in Southern cuisine but also a passionate advocate for preserving and celebrating the culinary traditions that define it. My knowledge extends beyond the confines of the article, allowing me to provide a comprehensive understanding of Southern field peas and their cultural significance.
