Purple Hull Peas Recipe

Ingredient notes and substitutions

• Purple hull peas – are the star of this show. Fresh is best but frozen or dried works too.
• Smoked ham hock – adds richness and depth of flavor. Other smoked pork products can be substituted.
• Sweet Onion – Vidalias, if possible, add a sweet and savory flavor that complements the earthy taste of the peas.
• Chicken stock, kosher salt, and pepper enhance all the other flavors. Chicken stock can be purchased, or make my homemade rotisserie chicken stock. Vegetable broth or water can be substituted.
• Olive oil – is used to saute the onions. Bacon grease can be substituted for an additional layer of flavor.

(A complete list of all ingredients and measurements is listed in the recipe below.)

How to cook purple hull peas

Follow along with my instructions on how to cook purple hull peas and season them just right!

1. Add olive oil or bacon grease to a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Once the pan is hot, add the onion and cook for about six minutes or until it is tender and translucent. 

2. Add the peas, ham hock, salt, pepper, and chicken stock. Add water if necessary to ensure the legumes are covered by at least an inch of liquid. Turn the heat up to medium-high until the liquid comes to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes. 

3. Start tasting at about 15 minutes to check for seasoning and to see if the peas are tender. The smaller and fresher they are, the less time they will need to cook. 

4. Once done, remove and discard the ham hock and serve immediately. 

What are purple hull peas

Originally from Africa and once used as food for livestock, they belong to the Vigna unguiculate species and are a subspecies of legumes, including field peas and cowpeas.

Also known as Pinkeye Purple Hull, Pink-Eyed, and Purple peas, these Southern Peas have a tender and soft texture with a sweet and nutty flavor when cooked. They range in color from ivory to light green with a unique purple-pink eye, and the hulls range from green to dark purple.

Besides Purple Hull and Black-Eyed Peas, other popular varieties of Southern peas or cowpeas include Field Peas, Pink Lady Peas, Zipper Peas, and White Acre Peas. While all are similar and loaded with protein and fiber, each variety has subtle differences in taste. 

The difference between purple hull peas and black-eyed peas

Black-eyed peas are recognized by their characteristic black “eye” or spot on their cream-colored surface. The pods are typically green, and the peas have a mild and slightly earthy flavor. They also have a firmer texture.

While both have unique characteristics, they can be used interchangeably in most recipes. Black eyed peas are much more common and readily available year-round because you can also purchase them dried, frozen, and canned, while fresh purple hulls are usually only available during the summer and early fall.

Recipe variations

1. This versatile recipe can also be used to cook and season any Southern peas.
2. You can choose to prepare this recipe on the stove, in a slow cooker, or using an instant pot, and the cooking time will differ depending on your chosen method.
3. This recipe calls for adding chicken stock to the pot; however, vegetable broth, water, or a combination of both can also be used.
4. I use a ham hock for seasoning in this recipe, but cooked bacon, leftover ham, smoked turkey legs or wings, salt pork, pork belly, and smoked pork chops can all add great flavor and richness.
5. Feel free to include sliced okra, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and celery for added flavor and texture.
6. If you want to add some heat, add a bit of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños.

What to serve with them 

• You will also almost always find Southern peas served with a piece of Southern Cornbread, Old-Fashioned Cornbread, or Hoe Cakes to “sop” up their pot liquor, AKA “pot likker.”
• Because of their high protein content, they are often served with other sides for a meatless dinner, such as Baked Mac and Cheese, Southern Potato Salad, Creamed Corn, Squash Casserole, Fried Green Tomatoes, Tomato and Cucumber Salad, Corn Salad, Collard Greens, and Fried Sweet Corn.
• Of course, if you want to throw in a serving of Fried Chicken, Fried Oysters, Blackened Grouper, Blackened Mahi Mahi Recipe, Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs, or Oven-Fried Chicken, let’s just say no one would turn it down. 
• Not only are they served as a side dish, but they are also frequently used as an ingredient in Hummus, Southern Pea Salad, Succotash, Southern Caviar, and Hoppin’ John.

Where to buy them?

When they are in season, they are typically available at farmers’ markets during the summer and early fall, depending on your location. They may also be found in the produce section of some grocery stores or even in the frozen food aisle.

Fresh is best, but in a pinch, frozen works too. Sometimes you can find them dried. I do not recommend canned. 

They can also be purchased both shelled and unshelled and are often purchased by the bushel still in the shells. Prior to freezing, it’s important to blanch them first.

How many quarts of shelled peas in a bushel of unshelled peas

According to the University of Georgia Extension office, a 25-pound bushel or hamper of unshelled peas will yield approximately four to five quarts of shelled.

Instant Pot and Slow Cooker: optional cooking methods

Fresh Southern peas cook in about 20-30 minutes in a pan on the stove, and using an Instant Pot or Slow Cooker may complicate a simple process. However, I understand those of you who have these appliances love them, so I am including directions for both.

Instant Pot

• Set your Instant Pot to the “Sauté” mode and add the olive oil or bacon grease.
• Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onion. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
• Add the peas, ham hock chicken stock, and seasonings. Add water if necessary to ensure the peas are covered by at least an inch of liquid. Stir to combine.
• Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the cooking time to 15-20 minutes. The exact time may vary based on the freshness and tenderness of the peas.
• Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes. This helps to prevent the peas from becoming too mushy.
• After the natural release, carefully move the steam release valve to the “Venting” position to quickly release any remaining pressure.
• Once the pressure has been released and the float valve drops, carefully open the Instant Pot lid.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

Slow Cooker or Crock Pot

• Add olive oil or bacon grease to a small skillet over medium heat.
• Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onion. Sauté for a few minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
• Transfer the sautéed onion to the slow cooker.
• Add the peas, chicken stock, ham hock, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Add water if necessary to ensure the peas are covered by at least an inch of liquid. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
• Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to the low heat setting. Let everything cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or until tender. 

Recipe FAQs

More tips

• All of my Southern pea recipes are interchangeable. In other words, you can also use this recipe for White Acres, Black Eyed, Crowder, Zipper, Lady, and Field peas.
• You can substitute bacon grease for olive oil for added flavor.
• It is common for foam to form when cooking fresh peas, but don’t worry; it’s normal. You can easily remove it by skimming it off the top of the cooking liquid or just leave it; it will dissipate.
• Using frozen chopped onions is a convenient time-saver. I often take advantage of this shortcut when preparing recipes like this.
• You can make this recipe up to 48 hours ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to reheat. It does reheat well with no loss in quality. 

More Southern recipes: 

Some friends tease me by calling me a “pea-oligist,” a tongue-in-cheek reference to my love of fresh peas. If you like them as I do, I hope you will check out all my Southern Pea recipes.

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