Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (2024)

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Fresh Southern Lady Peas, or Pink-Eyed Peas as they are sometimes called, are quick and easy to prepare and make an excellent, make-ahead summer side dish. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or Sunday supper, everyone will enjoy their unique, creamy deliciousness.

Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (1)

“Peas,” especially Lady Peas, have a special meaning for many people who grew up in the South and bring back fond memories of eating at Grandma’s house and, if you are fortunate, even sitting on her front porch or at the kitchen table and helping her shell them.

And, no, I’m not talking about the round green English ones that come frozen or in a can, but delicious fresh Southern peas like field peas, white acres,zipper or cream, purple hull, black-eyed peas, and lady peas.

What are they?

Southern peas, also known as cowpeas, are legumes. These hearty, heat-loving beans come in all shapes and sizes, with small variations in texture and flavor. Crowders and black-eyed peas are a little earthier and take longer to cook, the lady varieties are a bit more delicate and creamy.

What to serve with them?

Southern Pink Lady Peas are delicious when served with a slice of Traditional Southern Style Cornbread or Hoecakes, aka Cornmeal Pancakes, and a few slices of fresh summer tomatoes.

Where to buy them?

I used to buy all of my fresh peas from Tomato Land, a Tallahassee landmark. I would buy a gallon of them freshly-shelled, take them home, blanch them and freeze them in smaller packages so I would always have some on hand.

Now that Tomato Land has closed, I usually purchase fresh shelled peas at our local farmers’ markets or the farmers’ markets in south Georgia. They are usually available during the summer and early fall.

And, if you are wondering, yes, I am too lazy to shell peas. It’s a character flaw, or just maybe it’s because I don’t have a front porch, or a grandchild here to shell peas with me.

Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (2)

Can you freeze fresh peas without blanching them?

The short answer is no! However, if your only choice is freezing them without blanching, or letting them spoil, go ahead and freeze them. But, and this is a big but, use them ASAP. The flavor and quality will degrade quickly.

How do you blanch them?

To blanch them, you simply add them to boiling water, cook for 1-½ minutes and then immediately plunge them into an ice-water bath to stop the cooking process. Once they have drained and cooled, they can be stored in the freezer in plastic bags for several months.

Here’s what you will need for this recipe:

All you will need are fresh-shelled peas, an onion, garlic, and salt pork, leftover ham, or a ham hock, and if you want it to be an authentic southern dish, some bacon grease.

Now, I know some of you are shaking your head, thinking that I have gone too far, but it’s how it’s done.

If you just can’t bring yourself to use bacon grease, you can substitute olive oil, and if the thought of adding salt pork or a ham hock is too much for you, you can substitute a package or two of purchased dry ham flavored concentrate.

Here’s how to make this recipe:

Grab a glass of sweet ice tea, and let’s get cooking!

Add bacon grease to a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onions, reduce the heat to low and sauté for about six to seven minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.

Add the peas, whatever pork product you are using (I had frozen leftover ham from Easter), and about three cups water and bring to a boil. You want the water to cover the peas by about an inch. Skim off any foam that develops.

Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (3)

Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes. It may take a little more or a little less time, depending on what kind of peas you are cooking. Stir occasionally.

Start tasting them to see if they are done about 15 minutes into the cooking process and keep tasting every few minutes until they reach the desired texture. You don’t want to overcook them, or they will be mushy.

Add salt and pepper to taste and serve. Enjoy and check out my purple hull peas recipe while you are at it!

Sharon’s tips:

Every year I get calls from folks looking for fresh peas for Thanksgiving when they aren’t in season. Plan ahead; stalk your farmers’ markets, buy them now, blanch them, and freeze them. You will thank me in November!

Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Or, you can use them to makehummus, succotash, hoppin’ john, or add them to salads, soups, and stews.

I frequently use purchased frozen chopped onions in this recipe to save time.

If you are using frozen peas, you can add them to the pan without first defrosting.

You can make this recipe up to 48 hours ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to reheat and reheat in a saucepan on the stove.

All of my pea recipes are interchangeable. In other words, you can use this recipe for any type of Southern pea.

This recipe calls for a smoked ham hock. Suitable substitutes are salt pork, pork belly, bacon, smoked pork chops, and leftover ham.

Related recipes:

If you like Southern-style recipes like this one, you might also like these popular recipes on my blog:Baked Mac and Cheese, Cheese Grits Casserole, Southern Potato Salad, Creamed Corn, Fried Corn, Fried Oysters, Squash Casserole, and Southern Fried Chicken.

If you need more menu ideas here is a link to all of my Southern-style recipes.

★ If you make this recipe, please consider rating it and leaving a comment. I’d love to know how you liked it!

Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones. I hope you’ll come back soon!

📋 Recipe:

Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (4)

Southern Pink Lady Peas

Sharon Rigsby

Southern Pink Lady Peas are a true Southern delicacy and delicious when served with a slice of cornbread or hoecakes and a few slices of fresh summer tomatoes.

5 from 11 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Southern

Servings 4 servings

Calories 319 kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 cups fresh shelled pink lady peas
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 smoked ham hock or ¼ lb salt pork slices or about ¼ leftover ham pieces
  • ½ cup onions finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon bacon grease
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Add bacon grease to a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the grease is hot, add the onions, reduce the heat to low and sauté for about six to seven minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute.

  • Add the peas, whatever pork product you are using, and about three cups water and bring to a boil. You want the water to cover the peas by about an inch.

  • Skim off any foam that develops. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes. It may take a little more or a little less time, depending on what kind of peas you are cooking. Stir occasionally.

  • Start tasting them to see if they are done about 15 minutes into the cooking process and keep tasting one or two peas every few minutes until they are tender. You don’t want to overcook them, or they will be mushy.

  • Add salt and pepper and serve. Enjoy!

Notes

Every year I get calls from folks looking for fresh peas for Thanksgiving when they aren't in season. Plan ahead; stalk your farmers' market, buy them now, blanch them, and freeze them. You will thank me in November!

Leftovers can be stored in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Or, you can use them to makehummus, succotash, hoppin' john, or add them to salads, soups, and stews.

I frequently use purchased frozen chopped onions in this recipe to save time.

If you are using frozen peas, you can add them to the pan without first defrosting.

You can make this recipe up to 48 hours ahead. Store covered in the refrigerator until ready to reheat. It reheats well with no loss in quality.

All of my pea recipes are interchangeable. In other words, you can use this recipe for any type of Southern pea.

This recipe calls for a smoked ham hock. Suitable substitutes are salt pork, pork belly, bacon, smoked pork chops, and leftover ham.

Nutrition

Calories: 319kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 7gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 519mgPotassium: 774mgFiber: 9gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 1550IUVitamin C: 6.6mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 2mg

Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

Southern Pink Lady Peas Recipe | gritsandpinecones.com (2024)

FAQs

Are lady peas the same as cream peas? ›

And unlike other field peas, lady peas (also called Lady Cream peas) produce a clear, not cloudy, potlikker. True to their name, lady peas are said to have a more delicate flavor.

Are lady peas healthy? ›

What are the health benefits? Lady peas—as well as all legumes—pack essential nutrients such as heart-healthy fiber, protein, antioxidants, and more.

What do lady peas taste like? ›

They have a sweet flavor and creamy texture and are featured in Southern dishes. Like all of our beans, Camellia's Lady Cream Peas are non-GMO, gluten-free, and meet the “Hayward Standard” – the name our growers gave our bean quality standard – which exceeds the top USDA requirements.

Can you freeze fresh lady peas? ›

There is no doubt that one of the bounties of spring and summer months is fresh peas. Whether you are growing green peas in your garden or purchasing them from the store when they are in season, I find that the best way to preserve them is to blanch them before freezing.

Can you freeze lady peas without blanching? ›

The aging enzymes continue to age the peas even when they are in the freezer if they are not blanched. This results in the peas which are starchy and bitter. If stored without blanching, the peas can remain good for only 2-3 months.

What is another name for lady peas? ›

Lady peas go by a number of names, including lady cream peas, lady cowpeas, conch peas, and zipper cream peas.

Is there another name for Lady peas? ›

Shipping calculated at checkout. 90 days — Also known as 'Lady Finger', 'Rice', 'Lady Edible' and 'Lady Rice', 'Lady' is a heat tolerant, cream-type Southern pea. Like many older heirloom varieties, their growth habit is semi-erect, meaning that their plants will produce short runners and tend to sprawl plants.

Is it safe to eat peas everyday? ›

Constant consumption of green peas can lead to excessive weight gain. Green peas are well known for regulating blood sugar and cholesterol. Fibre facilitates bowel movements and prevents excessive untimely eating. However, the protein and carbohydrates present in peas can also make you gain weight.

What is the healthiest type of pea? ›

Sugar snap peas and snow peas share identical nutritional profiles and are less starchy than a typical shelled pea. Due to their vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber content, they both offer various health benefits, including: reduced heart disease risk. improved blood pressure control.

Are peas healthier than carrots? ›

Pea has more thiamin, riboflavin, niacin and folate, however, carrot contains more pantothenic acid. Both carrots and peas are high in dietary fiber and potassium. Carrot has more beta-carotene and alpha-carotene than pea, however, pea contains more lutein + zeaxanthin than carrot.

What are the tastiest peas? ›

Snap Peas. Snap peas have fat, juicy and sweet edible pods. Some of these varieties are so sweet they're like candy! If you're looking for an addictive, healthy snack straight out of the garden, this is the type to grow.

Why do my peas taste weird? ›

Be sure to keep your peas well watered, and provide a mulch to keep the soil evenly moist. Another major cause of bitterness in peas is temperature.

What is the best tasting pea? ›

Super Sugar Snap is a standard for a reason. Magnolia Blossom is an indeterminate variety, growing 6-7 feet tall and is more of an heirloom style. Both tasted very good. However, in the snap peas, the best tasting varieties were SS141 and SS32 from Pure Line Seeds.

How do you freeze lady finger peas? ›

Giving the peas a quick blanching in boiling water before freezing them ensures that they will retain their bright green color and do not turn to mush when you get around to cooking with them. The single-layer initial freeze prevents the peas from clumping together.

How do you blanch and freeze lady peas? ›

To freeze, wash shelled peas or butterbeans and blanch in boiling water to cover for 2 minutes; cool immediately in ice water, and drain well. Package in air-tight containers, leaving 1/2-inch headspace, or in zip-top plastic freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Seal, and freeze up to 6 months.

How do you put up snap peas? ›

Boil 1 minute for thin snow peas, 1½-2 minutes for thick sugar snap (until heated through). Cool for 2 minutes in cold running water. Drain and pack in moisture-vapor proof, sealed containers. Or freeze quickly on cookie sheets before packaging (great for stir fry).

How do you support peas in a raised bed? ›

Raised Beds

Secure a trellis or use an obelisk in your raised bed so that your peas can climb and reach their fullest potential.

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