"Common Man" Purple Hull Peas and Okra

These Southern purple hull peas are the business! They are tasty, comforting, and an eating experience all in one making them that side dish you want on the Sunday dinner table.

This dish falls somewhere between a stew and gumbo. The presence of fresh okra, provides that thickness and consistency the ancestors would be proud of. The smoked neck bones provide a deep hit of smoke and soul, while the peas are the star!

When it comes to southern or soul food cooking, purple hull peas are a staple ingredient. Also known as black-eyed peas, these small, Southern peas are often used in soups, stews, and rice dishes. Purple hull peas are especially popular in soul food, where they are often cooked with ham, bacon, or salt pork for added flavor.

So next time you're in the mood for some comfort food, be sure to try a dish made with purple hull peas. You'll be glad you did!

Mood Music

This is as far from high brow food as it gets. This is food for the soul that every common man and woman can appreciate!

This is as far from high brow food as it gets. This is food for the soul that every common man and woman can appreciate!

David Ruffin's song "Common Man" pairs exceptionally well with purple hull peas due to the deep, soulful quality of the music and the comforting, down-to-earth nature of the dish. Here’s why they complement each other so well:

"Common Man" has a soulful, heartfelt quality that reflects everyday struggles and the genuine experiences of ordinary people. Ruffin’s emotive delivery and the rich, smooth sound of the song evoke a sense of nostalgia and authenticity.

As a staple in Southern cuisine, purple hull peas represent comfort and tradition, reflecting the humble and genuine nature of Southern cooking. They are a staple in home-cooked meals, embodying the essence of comfort soul food.

The song’s lyrics and Ruffin’s soulful voice resonate with the feeling of finding solace and satisfaction in simple, everyday moments. Purple hull peas represent culinary comfort and are often associated with hearty, comforting meals that bring people together. The slow-cooked, flavorful peas evoke a sense of home and tradition, much like the sentiment expressed in Ruffin’s music.

"Common Man" touches on themes of resilience and perseverance, highlighting the strength found in everyday life and ordinary experiences. Purple hull peas, often cooked slowly and with care, symbolize resilience and the rewarding nature of traditional, time-honored cooking methods.

Purple Hull Peas and Okra Ingredients

• Purple Hull Peas
• Okra
• Bell Pepper
• Ghee (clarified butter) or olive oil
• Smoked Pork Neck bones
• Garlic
• Celery
• Yellow Onions
• Paprika
• Black Pepper
• Salt
• All Spice
• Bay Leaf
• Fresh Herbs (oregano, sage, or parsley)
• Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock
• Water 
• Vinegar
• Sprig of fresh thyme (optional)
• Sugar (optional) - use if needed for balance, but you I suspect you will not need.

How To Cook Peas and Okra (Step by Step)

Heat oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the neck bones and brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.

Add onions and saute 3-5 minutes. Add celery and garlic for another minute. Add a quarter of the spice mix (paprika, all spice, salt, and pepper). Mix well with a slotted spoon.

Add the diced bell pepper plus a bit more of the spice mix. Cook for 1-2 minutes and then add okra and mix well.

Add the bay leaves, fresh herbs, beans, stock, and cold water, plus more of the seasoning. Mix well then add the neck bones back to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 30-45 minutes depending on your desired texture. 

Remove the herbs and their stems. Five minutes before finishing add the vinegar. Stir and serve the cooked peas.

What To Serve With Peas

Purple hull peas are a versatile side dish that pairs well with a variety of complementary foods. Here are some great options to serve with purple hull peas:

Cornbread - The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices from the peas.

Collard Greens - The slightly bitter and savory flavor of collard greens balances the richness of the peas.

Rice - Rice absorbs the flavorful broth from the peas, making it a great accompaniment.

Biscuits - Fluffy, buttery biscuits are excellent for mopping up any leftover juices from the peas.

Green Salad - A crisp green salad adds a refreshing and light contrast to the rich and hearty peas.

macaroni and cheese - The creamy, cheesy texture of macaroni and cheese adds another layer of comfort to the meal.

What Main Dish Items To Serve With Purple Hull Peas

When it comes to serving purple hull peas as a main dish, there are several delicious options to consider. Here are some main dish items that pair well with purple hull peas:

1. Smoked Pork Steaks
2. Smoked Rib Tips
3. Fried Catfish Fillets
4. Braised Beef Neck Bones
5. Beef Suya Skewers

Cooking Considerations and Tips for Cooking Peas

I’ve only ever seen frozen or fresh purple hull peas so not sure dried is an option. 

Black-eyed peas can be used in place of purple hull peas. If you use dried peas, you’ll need a longer cooking time, even after soaking them.

You can dice your okra or include them whole minus the hard stems. The okra is meant to be a thickener, but if you prefer to enjoy the great texture and flavor of the okra add it to the pot later in the cooking process.

Make sure you add enough water to cook the peas. For creamier peas cook the peas longer.

For best results, season as you go at every step. You'll end up with more depth of flavor.

Substitute vegetable broth for the chicken stock.

Adding country ham hock to peas is the Southern way. Most if not all Southern cooks use them to flavor fresh field peas for extra flavor. Smoked turkey neck or other turkey pieces make for a good substitute for smoked pork.

Time permitting, make an infused vinegar and use in place of the plain vinegar. Infused vinegar adds an extra level of flavor at the end and also helps the dish pop. Vinegar as a finishing touch to a long simmering dish like beans or collard greens is a flavor hack to brighten the dish. Infusing vinegar is a simple as heating vinegar in a sauce pan and then adding it to a glass jar with fresh herbs.

Enjoy these on New Year's Day for good luck. Hey it's a Southern tradition!!!

Pair these with macaroni and cheese and collard or turnip greens for family-style soul food serving. 

Serve the peas and okra with a glass of sweet tea, braised pork neck bones, fried chicken, baked BBQ ribs, or broiled jerk salmon. Also consider any of these popular soul food meat dishes.

These are primarily served as a side dish. However for me, I like to serve these over white rice in a big bowl as a main dish topped with hot water cornbread. I add sides like roasted purple potato fries.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making Purple Hull Peas

Are Purple Hull Peas The Same As Crowder Peas?

Crowder peas and purple hull peas are both part of the family of field peas (also called cowpeas) which were so named because they were grown as a rotational crop in the fields instead of in kitchen gardens. Many different types were grown in the South hence you hear them referenced as Southern field peas.

Where Can I Buy Fresh Hull Peas?

I typically find fresh hull peas at my local farmers' market. During the early fall season, you might also find them in a specialty grocery store.

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making this soul food recipe

Southern purple hull peas are delicious beans that can be cooked in a variety of ways. In this recipe, we’ve slow-cooked them until they are soft and then combined them with spices and smoked ham hock to create a tasty side dish. If you want to try something different, you could also fry the peas in some bacon fat for extra flavor. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think!

If you make these Southern Purple Hull Peas, review recipe or any other recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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