I remember the first time I found a new vegetable at the local farmer’s market that became one of my all-time favorites – purple hull peas. Their dark, bold color first drew my attention, and I wondered if they would be as flavorful or soft.
I had no way of knowing that these humble legumes would become the pillars of my cooking. It became a sweet tradition of cooking them in 2 hours, catching up with the memories and flavors I now hold dear.
As such, come with me on a tour of my purple hull pea journey by learning from all the tips and tricks I have picked up over the years.
What Are Purple Hull Peas?
Purple hull peas are a type of Southern field pea, similar to black-eyed peas, but with a slightly sweeter, nuttier flavor and a signature purple-colored shell.
Difference Between Purple Hull Peas and Black-Eyed Peas
While often used interchangeably, purple hull peas and black-eyed peas have notable differences. Purple hull peas have a slightly sweeter and creamier taste, whereas black-eyed peas are earthier and firmer.
Visually, purple hulls have a light green body with a pink or purple eye, while black-eyed peas are tan with a black “eye”. Both are types of cowpeas but come from different plant varieties, offering unique flavors and textures in Southern cooking.
Discovering Purple Hull Peas
I planned to take colorful social media photos on a brief sunny Saturday at the farmer’s market, but I stayed for about three hours. Purple hull peas amid green beans and snap peas. Curiosity about them caused me to speak with the farmer.
A direct translation of his story described his grandmother preparing them with particular attention to their flavor and health properties. I was sold. I bought a bag and could not wait to get home to play.
Preparing for the First Cook
When I got to my kitchen, I emptied the peas onto the countertop and collectively marveled at their bright colors. However, the real issue was to understand how to cook them.
I went back to that dogeared page of the farmer, saying to keep it simple and allow natural flavors to be predominant, and I always remembered. Therefore, I began with a simple recipe that has now become my staple.
The first thing I did was rinse the peas well to remove all the dirt and mess. Then, I covered them in cold water and plopped a bowl over them to sit for a few hours.
This step is not always required, but it loosens the peas and shortens the cooking duration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Classic Pot Of Purple Hull Peas
- 2 Cups of Purple Hull Peas (Fresh or Frozen)
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- One small onion, chopped
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
- One garlic clove, minced
- 1 Smoked ham hock or bacon (optional for enhanced flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of sugar (optional)
How to Cook Purple Hull Peas – My Secret Recipe
A classic purple hull peas recipe uses fresh or frozen peas, broth or water, aromatics like garlic and onion, and optional smoked meat for richness.
Why This Recipe Works: This recipe works because it honors the natural flavor of the peas while adding layers of seasoning including onion, garlic, and smoked meat. Simplicity meets tradition for perfect taste every time.
After the peas were soaked, I proceeded to cook this flavorsome dish. I chopped onions and garlic, added a pinch of baking soda and threw them in a pot with olive oil.
The smells of sautéing onions wafted through my kitchen, and I could not help but smile—something magical about the aroma of sautâeed onion and garlic together.
I then drained a can of peas and put it into the pot, stirring it around to coat it in oil. I covered the peas with enough water to boil, then added a pinch of salt and two extra seasoning agents for more flavor: one bay leaf and one ham hock. After boiling the pot, I turned it down low and let the peas slowly cook up all that flavor.
Adding a Personal Touch
As I let the peas simmer, I wondered how my version would complement this historically black dish. I added some diced tomatoes and a couple of chopped jalapeños because we like it hot.
The colors in this dish were so beautiful that it was almost as good to look at as it smelled.
On this day, at 45 minutes, I went out to check on the peas. They were soft and delicious. I had a scoop of them in a bowl, some hot sauce on top, and I took the first taste.
They were full of delicious flavors that were at once earthy, slightly sweet, and with the perfect diverse one-spicy richness. I was hooked.
Serving Suggestions
As I’ve experimented, I discovered purple hull peas go well with many dishes. They are perfect with cornbread and collards! Together, they are a warm and satisfying duo for a weeknight dinner.
Other times, I do things differently. When looking for something tasty to eat at brunch, I serve the peas on rice with an egg.
The sky is the limit, and half of the fun can lie in experimenting with combinations. I have even tossed them into different salads and soups to bring a unique flavor to the traditional recipe.
Sharing the Joy
For me, cooking with purple hull peas has evolved beyond preparing a meal- it is one opportunity to become closer to friends and family. I always like to cook this dish when I have company, and their faces light up with the first bite.
This speaks to the spontaneous joy we all share. I also started having small pea/bean potlucks where everyone would bring a dish involving a different type of bean or pea, and it is now an annual favorite.
How Long to Cook Purple Hull Peas?
Purple hull peas are easy to cook and very rewarding; generally, you might expect a time of 45 minutes to an hour. First, I always rinse the peas and then fill a large pot with them. For the sake of simplicity, I cover them by an inch or so with water or broth.
Add a bit more if you want to account for evaporation. As soon as a pot goes on the stove, I turn it up to boil and then down to barely simmer.
The peas will cook down, getting all tender and tasty as they do. Season with salt and pepper at this time as well, adding them to the cavity when you start cooking.
No matter how you choose to serve them, whether as a side of pea salad or added in with your favorite sausage and onion recipe, these peas are delicious.
How to Cook Purple Hull Peas Without Meat?
Purple hull peas are really good for you, and it is not very difficult to prepare them without meat. To start with, I wash the peas and strain them. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the chopped onion with some garlic until they are soft.
After melting, I add the peas and then fill them with vegetable broth or water to cover everything by an inch. Whisk to a boil; reduce the heat.
Season with your favorite spices like salt, pepper, and a bay leaf, then simmer the peas for around 45 minutes to an hour until tender.
Stir in between and adjust the taste accordingly. My meat-free version is a deliciously hearty, nutritious accompaniment that can be eaten anytime.
Recipe Variations
Purple hull peas are versatile and adapt well to different flavor profiles. For a vegetarian twist, skip the ham hock and use vegetable broth, adding smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke for depth. If you like it spicy, include diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
Some home cooks stir in diced tomatoes or bell peppers for color and sweetness. You can even make a creamy version by stirring in a little butter or cream toward the end of cooking.
How Do You Freeze Purple Hull Peas? – Freezing And Storage
Purple hull peas freeze perfectly and can be enjoyed long after the planting season is finished. After shelling the peas, I rinse them well. Boil peas in hot water for 2 minutes, and transfer to an ice bath so we can save the color.
After cooling, I drain them well and arrange them on a baking sheet in one layer. Place them in the freezer for 2 hours to freeze individually. Last, I put the peas into sealed freezer bags without air in them to help prevent getting any type of freezer burn. Make sure to date your outer bags.
Stored correctly, the peas will last for a year in the freezer, so they can be enjoyed whenever you want them.
Why Put Baking Soda in Purple Hull Peas?
If the purple hull peas you have on hand are a little older or tougher, adding a pinch of baking soda to them could be your lifesaver. Baking soda is alkaline and helps break down the cellulose in pea cell walls, making for a more tender texture.
This can make a real impact on both the cooking time and how soft your peas are in the final product. But one of the takeaways has been to go easy on baking soda since loading up the mix can ruin your taste texturally and, more importantly, destroy some nutrition.
Others want to avoid using baking soda to retain their natural taste and nutrients. Whether you use it or not, cooking purple hull peas is a delightful journey that brings out the good taste of Purple Hull Peas.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Purple hull peas are a nutritional powerhouse, making them a smart addition to any meal. A one-cup serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 120–150
- Protein: 8 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Fiber: 6–8 grams
- Fat: 1 gram
- Key Nutrients: Folate, iron, potassium, magnesium
They’re naturally low in fat and rich in plant-based protein, making them ideal for heart-healthy and vegetarian diets.
Bonus Tips for Cooking Purple Hull Peas
Spices and Herbs – There are many different spices to experiment with. I prefer to include a touch of smokiness and thyme in the dish.
Vegetarian Option: you will want to omit the ham hock and use a vegetable broth instead of water. Adding a few drops of liquid smoke will do just fine if you want that flavor depth.
Leftovers: Recycle your takeout containers. Add purple hull peas to casseroles, salads, and dips. They are versatile.
Something about them just reminds me that cooking is an adventure, and every time I make purple hull peas, it seems as though I rediscovered the magic they hold all over again. They are specifically designed to comfort and satisfy- whether you’re cooking for one or the whole family.
If you like to eat purple hull peas, then you also like my recipe of kidney beans.
FAQs About Purple Hull Peas
How to Cook Purple Hull Peas Southern Style?
To cook purple hull peas Southern style, simmer them with smoked ham hock or bacon, onions, and garlic until tender. Season with salt, pepper, and optionally, a pinch of sugar for depth.
How to Cook Purple Hull Peas? Other Methods?
Besides simmering, you can cook them in a pressure cooker, slow cooker, or sautéed with aromatics and broth for faster or deeper flavor variations.
How Long to Cook Purple Hull Peas on Stove?
On the stovetop, purple hull peas take about 45 to 60 minutes to cook, depending on freshness and whether you’ve pre-soaked them.
How to Cook Fresh Purple Hull Peas?
Start by rinsing the fresh peas, then boil them in seasoned water or broth with onions, garlic, and meat for 45–60 minutes until tender.
How Long to Cook Fresh Purple Hull Peas?
Fresh purple hull peas typically cook in 45 minutes to 1 hour when simmered gently in broth or water.
What to Serve with Purple Hull Peas?
Serve purple hull peas with cornbread, rice, collard greens, or fried green tomatoes. They also pair beautifully with smoked sausage or grilled chicken.
Where to Buy Purple Hull Peas?
You can buy purple hull peas fresh at local farmers markets during peak season, or frozen/dried versions at specialty grocery stores and Southern food retailers online.
What Are Purple Hull Peas Common Recipe Variations?
Try vegetarian versions with veggie broth and smoked paprika, or spicy versions with jalapeños and tomatoes. You can also mix them into stews or casseroles.
How to Blanch Peas?
Blanch purple hull peas by boiling them for 2–3 minutes, then plunging into ice water. This helps preserve color, texture, and flavor before freezing.
How Many Quarts of Shelled Peas in a Bushel of Unshelled Peas?
A bushel of unshelled peas typically yields about 12 to 14 quarts of shelled peas, depending on pea size and freshness.
Final Thoughts
Learning all about purple hull peas has been a sweet growing process, from stumbling upon them at the farmer’s market to where my perfect pea-shelling ways stand today.
They are now a valued asset in my culinary collection, and I hope this tale inspires you to add them to your own. There was something so magical about whipping up a full-fledged meal from scratch to share with friends or family.
It didn’t matter if this happened once in 4 years. Step onto the delicious journey- get some purple hull peas.
Making purple hull peas is more than following a recipe. It’s about trying out flavors and creating something that makes your table light up with flavor. I look forward to hearing about your adventures with these great legumes. Happy cooking!
