Purple hull peas are a staple of Southern cuisine. Their rich, hearty flavor and creamy texture make them the perfect accompaniment to typical Southern fare like fried chicken, cornbread, and collard greens. In this article, I will instruct you how to cook purple hull peas in 3 different ways
1. How To Cook Purple Hull Peas on the Stove
Ingredients
- 2 pounds frozen purple hull peas
- 6 cups water or chicken/vegetable broth
- 1 ham hock or 2 pieces of bacon (optional)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Dash of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the peas under cold water to remove any debris. Pick out any discolored ones.
Add the peas, water/broth, ham hock/bacon, onion, garlic, and seasonings to a large pot. Bring to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 60-90 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Remove the ham hock or bacon. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Continue simmering uncovered for 15 minutes to thicken the broth. The peas should be very soft and creamy.
Serve the peas in their broth along with cornbread, collard greens, and hot sauce. Enjoy!
2. How To Cook Purple Hull Peas in Instant Pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups dried purple hull peas
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ham hock (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Dash of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the peas and pick through for any debris.
Add all ingredients to Instant Pot and stir to combine.
Next, secure the lid and set valve to sealing position. Then select Manual/Pressure Cook mode at high pressure for 25 minutes.
Once cooking completes, quick release the pressure by moving the valve to venting position.
Remove lid carefully. Remove ham hock and set aside to cool.
Stir in preferred seasonings if needed and thickened broth with a cornstarch slurry if desired.
Serve peas warm with ham hock meat chopped in along with skillet cornbread.
3. How To Cook Purple Hull Peas in Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 1 bag (16 oz) dried purple hull peas
- 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ham hock (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
Rinse the peas and remove any debris.
Next, add all ingredients to slow cooker and stir to incorporate. Cook on low setting for 7-8 hours.
Remove bay leaves and ham hock. Take ham hock meat off bone and chop.
Mash some of peas against side of crockpot to thicken liquid. Then stir in chopped ham hock meat and season with hot sauce.
Serve peas warm with buttery cornbread and collard greens.
No matter which preparation method you choose, these creamy, full-flavored purple hull peas are sure to be a hit served Southern style. Their flavor pairs perfectly with traditional sides to create a mouthwatering Southern meal. So grab a mess of peas and dig in!
