Purple Hull Peas Recipe Southern Style: Taste of the South!

Purple hull peas, also known as pinkeye peas, are a Southern staple. Their earthy, slightly sweet flavor is comforting and familiar, evoking memories of family gatherings and summer suppers. This recipe captures the essence of Southern cooking, delivering a pot of tender, flavorful purple hull peas that will have you coming back for more. Forget canned peas – once you taste the real deal, cooked low and slow with smoky ham hock, you’ll never go back! This dish is perfect as a side, a light lunch, or even as a base for a hearty soup. Get ready to experience a true taste of the South!

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients into a pot and hoping for the best. It’s crafted to bring out the best in purple hull peas. Here’s why it works:

• The Ham Hock: This is the secret ingredient! The ham hock infuses the peas with a deep, smoky flavor that is essential to the Southern style. The slow cooking process allows the ham hock to tenderize and release its savory goodness into the broth.
• Slow Cooking: Patience is key! Slow cooking allows the peas to become incredibly tender and soak up all the flavors from the ham hock and seasonings. Rushing the process will result in tough, under-flavored peas.
• Simple Seasonings: We keep the seasonings simple – salt, pepper, and a touch of garlic powder. This allows the natural flavor of the peas and the ham hock to shine through. Over-seasoning can mask the delicate taste of the purple hull peas.
• Proper Water Level: Maintaining the right water level is crucial. You want enough water to cover the peas, but not so much that the broth becomes watery and diluted.
• Soaking (Optional but Recommended): Soaking the peas helps to rehydrate them and reduces cooking time. It also helps to remove any dirt or debris.

Ingredients

• 1 pound dried purple hull peas
• 8 cups water (plus more for soaking, if desired)
• 1 smoked ham hock
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Optional: 1/2 medium onion, chopped

Instructions

1. Soak the Peas (Optional): Rinse the dried purple hull peas thoroughly. Place them in a large bowl and cover with plenty of water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Drain and rinse the soaked peas before cooking.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the drained purple hull peas, water, ham hock, salt, pepper, and garlic powder (and onion, if using).
3. Bring to a Boil: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
4. Reduce Heat and Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the peas are tender and the broth has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Check Water Level: Check the water level periodically. If the water is evaporating too quickly, add more water, about 1/2 cup at a time, to keep the peas covered.
6. Remove Ham Hock: Once the peas are tender, remove the ham hock from the pot. Let it cool slightly, then shred the meat from the bone. Discard the bone and skin.
7. Return Meat to Pot: Return the shredded ham meat to the pot with the peas.
8. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the peas and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to your liking.
9. Serve: Serve hot, garnished with a pat of butter or a sprinkle of chopped green onions, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Quality of Ham Hock: The quality of the ham hock greatly impacts the flavor of the dish. Look for a ham hock that is well-smoked and has plenty of meat on it.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooked peas can become mushy. Check for tenderness after 1 1/2 hours and continue cooking until they reach your desired consistency.
• Salt to Taste: Be mindful of the salt content of the ham hock. Start with a smaller amount of salt and add more to taste.
• Add a Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pot while simmering.
• Use Chicken Broth (Optional): For a richer flavor, substitute some of the water with chicken broth.
• Don’t Skimp on the Simmer Time: The longer the peas simmer, the more flavorful they will become. Low and slow is the key!

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating: Allow the purple hull peas to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooled peas in freezer-safe containers or bags. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the peas on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little water or broth if the peas have thickened too much.

FAQ

Q: Can I use fresh purple hull peas?

A: Yes! If using fresh peas, you won’t need to soak them. Simply shell them and cook them according to the recipe instructions, reducing the cooking time to about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until tender.

Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

A: Absolutely! Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the peas are tender.

Q: Can I use a different type of smoked meat?

A: While ham hock is the traditional choice, you can substitute it with smoked turkey leg or bacon for a different flavor profile.

Q: My peas are taking a long time to cook. What am I doing wrong?

A: Several factors can affect cooking time. Ensure your peas are fresh (older peas take longer to cook). Soaking the peas beforehand helps. Also, hard water can sometimes prolong cooking time. If needed, add a pinch of baking soda to the cooking water, which can help soften the peas.

Q: Can I add other vegetables?

A: Yes, feel free to customize the recipe by adding other vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers.

Conclusion

This Southern-style purple hull peas recipe is a simple yet satisfying dish that is sure to become a family favorite. The smoky flavor of the ham hock, combined with the tender peas and simple seasonings, creates a truly comforting and delicious meal. Whether you’re a seasoned Southern cook or new to this cuisine, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to impress. So, gather your ingredients, put on some good music, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the South!