If you’ve never experienced the comforting goodness of a classic Southern dish, then let me introduce you to the magical world of the Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe. This hearty, soulful recipe bursts with tender pink lady peas simmered alongside smoky, savory ham and mellow onions, creating a dish that is as rich in flavor as it is in tradition. Perfect for any meal that calls for warmth and a touch of down-home charm, these peas are simple to prepare but deliver big on taste, making them a beloved staple in Southern kitchens everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for your Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe is easier than you might think. Each component is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor that are unmistakably Southern, from the smoky ham hock to the fragrant garlic and comforting bacon grease.
- 3 cups fresh shelled pink lady peas: The star of the dish, these peas bring a creamy texture and subtle sweetness that balances the smoky elements.
- 3 cups water: Used to cook the peas gently, providing the perfect consistency for simmering.
- 1 smoked ham hock (or ¼ lb salt pork slices or leftover ham): Adds deep, smoky richness that infuses every bite with Southern soul.
- ½ cup onions (finely chopped): Offers a sweet and savory base, softening as it cooks to build flavor depth.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Brings warmth and a subtle aromatic punch.
- 1 tablespoon bacon grease: For sautéing and that unmistakable fat flavor that enhances the dish.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle bite without overpowering the peas.
How to Make Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming the bacon grease in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onions and reduce the heat to low. Let them gently sauté for six to seven minutes so they become beautifully soft and sweet. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until it releases its fragrant aroma. This slow cooking brings out the best flavor for the base of your Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe.
Step 2: Add the Peas and Pork
Next, it’s time to introduce your fresh pink lady peas and whatever pork option you’ve chosen—smoked ham hock, salt pork, or leftovers. Pour in about three cups of water, ensuring the peas are covered by about an inch. Turn the heat up to bring everything to a rolling boil. This combination of smoky meat and creamy peas is the heart and soul of the dish.
Step 3: Simmer to Tender Perfection
As the mixture heats, skim off any foam that rises to the surface to keep your broth clear and clean-tasting. Then reduce the heat to low and let the peas simmer gently for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them and stir occasionally so they cook evenly because every batch of peas can vary slightly in cooking time.
Step 4: Taste for Doneness
After about 15 minutes of simmering, start tasting a few peas every few minutes. You’re aiming for tender but not mushy peas, so pay close attention to nail that perfect texture. Remember, the ultimate goal is creamy peas still holding their shape, delivering that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Once your peas reach that perfect tenderness, finish by seasoning with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Give everything a final stir and serve warm. You’ve now mastered the Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe, ready to enjoy in all their comforting, flavorful glory.
How to Serve Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe
Garnishes
A great way to elevate your Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe is through thoughtful garnishes. Fresh chopped parsley or green onions sprinkled on top add a burst of color and fresh flavor. You can also drizzle a bit of extra bacon grease or dot with a pat of butter for added richness and luster.
Side Dishes
This dish shines when paired with other Southern classics. Think fluffy cornbread hot from the skillet, crispy fried okra, or collard greens cooked with a touch of smoked meat. Even a simple bowl of white rice works beautifully, soaking up every bit of that flavorful broth.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow your guests, transform your Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe into a hearty stew by adding chopped smoked sausage or diced tomatoes. You could also serve it over creamy grits for a breakfast twist or layer it with rice and greens for a colorful, layered casserole.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of your Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe keep well and can taste even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it an easy, flavorful meal to grab on busy days.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, making it a great candidate for batch cooking. Freeze cooled peas in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Just be sure to leave a little room at the top for expansion.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your peas again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, to preserve the tender texture and avoid drying out the peas. Add a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen them up.
FAQs
Can I use dried pink lady peas instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using dried peas, soak them overnight before cooking and extend the simmering time until they are tender. Keep an eye on the liquid levels, adding more water if needed as dried peas absorb more.
What can I substitute for bacon grease?
If you prefer not to use bacon grease, a good-quality olive oil or butter can work as alternatives. While they won’t add quite the same smoky flavor, they’ll still provide a lovely richness and help sauté the onions and garlic beautifully.
Is it necessary to use a smoked ham hock?
The smoked ham hock is traditional and infuses the dish with deep, savory smokiness, but you can use salt pork, leftover ham, or even smoked sausage depending on what you have on hand. Each will give a slightly different flavor but keep that Southern essence intact.
How long do pink lady peas take to cook?
Fresh pink lady peas typically cook within 15 to 20 minutes when simmered gently. The key is to taste often after 15 minutes to avoid overcooking and ensure they stay tender but intact.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Certainly! For a vegetarian version of Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe, skip the pork and bacon grease, using olive oil instead. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for that touch of smokiness, and sauté the onions and garlic as usual for lots of flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a well-made dish of Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe—the simplicity, the smoky aroma, and the tender peas all come together in a way that feels like a warm hug from the South. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special gathering, this recipe promises to be a cherished favorite. So go ahead, give it a try and savor a taste of Southern hospitality right at your own table.
Print
Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Description
This Southern Pink Lady Peas recipe offers a delicious and hearty way to enjoy fresh shelled peas simmered with smoky ham and savory aromatics. Perfect as a comforting side dish, the peas are gently sautéed with onions and garlic, then simmered with a smoked ham hock until tender and flavorful. The result is a traditional Southern favorite with a rich, smoky depth and creamy texture.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh shelled pink lady peas
- 3 cups water
- 1 smoked ham hock (or ¼ lb salt pork slices or leftover ham)
- ½ cup onions (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon bacon grease
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Add bacon grease to a large saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onions, reduce heat to low, and sauté for 6-7 minutes until soft. Then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add Peas and Pork: Stir in the fresh shelled pink lady peas along with your choice of smoked ham hock, salt pork, or leftover ham. Pour in about 3 cups of water, ensuring it covers the peas by approximately one inch. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Skim Foam and Simmer: Once boiling, skim off any foam that forms on the surface to keep the broth clear. Reduce the heat to low and let the peas simmer gently for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check for Tenderness: Start tasting the peas at around 15 minutes into simmering. Continue to taste every few minutes until the peas are tender but not mushy, adjusting cooking time as needed depending on pea freshness and size.
- Season and Serve: Once the peas are tender, season with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste. Remove the ham hock if used, shred any meat to stir back in if desired, then serve warm as a flavorful Southern side dish. Enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute the smoked ham hock with salt pork slices or leftover ham for similar smoky flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the peas to avoid a mushy texture.
- Skimming foam is important for a clean broth and improved flavor.
- Fresh peas cook faster than dried or frozen, so monitor tenderness closely.
- Leftover peas can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
