Zipper peas are a favorite among Southern home cooks. Their creamy texture and rich flavor make them a fantastic side dish for any meal. Below is a detailed recipe to cook Zipper peas, along with tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
1. How To Cook Zipper Peas
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh shelled zipper peas
- 3 cups of water ( for extra flavor, use broth )
- 3 slices bacon (about 2.5 ounces), chopped
- ½ cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping the bacon into small pieces. Finely dice the onion and mince the garlic. Having everything ready makes the cooking process easier.
Step 2. Cook the Bacon
In a medium-sized pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it becomes crispy. This should take about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Once done, remove some of the excess grease, leaving about one tablespoon in the pot. The bacon adds a smoky depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the peas.
Step 3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently until it becomes soft and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Step 4. Add the Zipper Peas
Stir in the fresh zipper peas, coating them in the flavorful bacon, onion, and garlic mixture.
Step 5. Simmer the Peas
Pour in 3 cups of water or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the peas simmer for about 25-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 6. Season and Finish
After the peas have softened to your desired texture, season with ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir well and let them cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 7. Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and let the peas sit for a couple of minutes before serving. They should be tender but not mushy, with a creamy texture that melts in your mouth.
2. Tips for Cooking Zipper Peas Perfectly
Use fresh zipper peas whenever possible. They have a natural sweetness and creamy texture that canned or frozen peas can’t match.
Cook with chicken broth instead of water. This simple swap enhances the flavor significantly.
Don’t rush the cooking process. Letting the peas simmer gently ensures they become tender without falling apart.
Adjust seasoning to taste. Some may prefer a little extra salt or a touch of spice, such as a pinch of cayenne pepper.
For extra richness, add a pat of butter. Stirring in butter at the end gives the peas a silky finish.
3. Serving Suggestions
Zipper peas are a fantastic side dish that pairs well with a variety of Southern classics. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:
With Cornbread: Nothing complements these creamy peas better than a slice of warm, buttery cornbread. The combination is pure comfort.
Alongside Fried Chicken: The smoky, savory flavors of the peas balance perfectly with crispy fried chicken.
Over White Rice: Serving zipper peas over fluffy white rice makes for a hearty and satisfying meal.
With Smoked Sausage: Adding sliced smoked sausage to the peas while they simmer creates a complete one-pot dish.
Beside Collard Greens and Mashed Potatoes: A full Southern plate with greens, mashed potatoes, and zipper peas is a meal worth savoring.
I personally love to enjoy these peas with a drizzle of hot sauce for a little extra kick. They are hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—just like a good Southern dish should be.
Cooking zipper peas doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. With just a little time and care, you can bring out their best flavors and create a dish that feels like home. Whether you’re serving them for Sunday dinner or a casual weeknight meal, they are sure to be a hit at the table.