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–+ servings
Peas
This simple, hearty pea recipe reflects the practical, flavor-driven cooking of Southern home kitchens, where humble pantry ingredients were transformed into deeply satisfying meals. Using either dried or fresh peas, the dish is slowly simmered with ham hocks, bacon drippings, and optional onions for richness. The long, gentle cooking extracts smoky flavor from the pork, seasoning the peas naturally without complicated steps. Recipes like this were often written as reminders rather than full instructions, assuming the cook’s intuition would fill in the gaps. What makes this dish special is its adaptability, cheap, filling, and endlessly comforting, making it a staple side or light main that still feels relevant today.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Southern
Servings 4
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb dried peas (or 4 cups fresh peas)
  • 2 ham hocks
  • 3 quarts water (for dried peas or 2 quarts water for fresh peas)
  • 2 tbsp bacon drippings
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 onion (small, halved)
  • salt (to taste)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare Dried Peas (if using)

  • Do not soak peas overnight.
  • Rinse peas under cool water.

Step 2: Boil with Ham Hock

  • Place peas and ham hock in a large pot.
  • Add 3 quarts water.
  • Cover with lid and bring to a boil.

Step 3: Simmer Dried Peas

  • Reduce heat to medium.
  • Simmer for 1 hour with lid on pot.

Step 4: Prepare Fresh Peas (if using instead)

  • Place ham hocks in pot with 2 quarts water.
  • Boil for 1 hour.

Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients

  • Add peas, black pepper, and bacon drippings.
  • Add onion halves if desired.

Step 6: Finish Cooking

  • Cover and simmer on medium until peas are tender and flavorful.
  • Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  • Remove ham hocks before serving.

Tips

  • Use field peas, crowder peas, or black-eyed peas
  • Add garlic cloves for extra depth
  • Substitute smoked turkey for ham hock
  • Add red pepper flakes for heat
  • Stir in a knob of butter before serving
  • Serve over cornbread or rice
  • Add diced onion instead of halved
  • Cook longer for creamier peas
  • Freeze leftovers for later meals

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 18gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 620mgFiber: 10gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 12mgCalcium: 68mgIron: 3.4mg
Keyword comfort food, ham hock, heirloom meals, one-pot, peas, rustic, southern cooking, vintage recipe
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