Field Peas
Tender, creamy field peas simmered with smoky bacon and savory aromatics. A classic Southern side dish that's hearty, comforting, and packed with down-home flavor. Perfect alongside cornbread for sopping up the rich 'potlikker'.
For 6 servings
5 steps. 90 minutes total.
- 1
Sort and soak the peas
- a.Spread the dried peas on a baking sheet and sort through them, removing any small stones or debris. Rinse the peas thoroughly under cold running water. Place them in a large bowl and cover with at least 2 inches of cool water. Let them soak for at least 8 hours or overnight. After soaking, drain the water and rinse the peas again.
- 2
Cook bacon and sauté aromatics
- a.In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 2 tablespoons of rendered fat in the pot. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Combine ingredients and simmer
- a.Add the soaked and drained field peas to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and 2 cups of fresh water. Stir in the sugar (if using), salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
- 4
Slow cook until tender
- a.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the peas simmer gently for 75-90 minutes. Stir every 20-30 minutes to prevent sticking. The peas are done when they are tender and creamy. If the liquid (potlikker) reduces too much, add a splash of hot water or broth.
- 5
Finish and serve
- a.Once the peas are tender, stir the reserved crispy bacon back into the pot. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Let the peas rest off the heat for 10 minutes for the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with a side of cornbread.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a deeper, smokier flavor, use a smoked ham hock or a smoked turkey wing instead of bacon. Add it to the pot with the broth and remove the meat from the bone before serving.
- 2The flavorful liquid the peas cook in is called 'potlikker'. Don't drain it! Serve it with the peas and use cornbread to sop up every last drop.
- 3To get a creamier consistency, use the back of a spoon to mash about a quarter of the peas against the side of the pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- 4No time to soak overnight? Use the quick-soak method: cover peas with water in a pot, bring to a boil for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat, cover, and let stand for 1 hour before proceeding.
- 5For a brighter finish, stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or hot sauce at the end of cooking.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian/Vegan
Omit the bacon. Sauté the onions and garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegan butter. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Add one chopped jalapeño along with the onion for a noticeable kick. You can also increase the amount of red pepper flakes to 1/2 teaspoon or more.
Heartier MealHeartier Meal
Add sliced smoked sausage, such as andouille or kielbasa, to the pot during the last 30 minutes of simmering to turn this side dish into a complete meal.
Using Fresh or Frozen PeasUsing Fresh or Frozen Peas
If using fresh or frozen field peas (no soaking required), reduce the broth/water to about 4 cups total and decrease the simmer time to 30-45 minutes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Fiber
Field peas are packed with dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Rich in Plant-Based Protein
Providing a substantial amount of protein, these peas are great for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function, making them a satisfying and nutritious choice.
High in Folate
Folate (Vitamin B9) is crucial for healthy cell growth and function. It is especially important for red blood cell formation and preventing certain birth defects.
Provides Essential Minerals
This dish is a good source of important minerals like iron, which is vital for oxygen transport, and magnesium, which supports nerve and muscle function.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, field peas are very healthy. They are an excellent source of dietary fiber, plant-based protein, folate, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. This recipe includes bacon, which adds fat and sodium, but the dish can be made healthier by using a smoked turkey wing or omitting the meat entirely.