Mom’s Purple Hull Peas are a Southern classic that brings warmth, comfort, and simple flavor to your dinner table. Made with frozen peas, smoky bacon, and tender optional okra, this dish simmers low and slow until every bite is perfectly seasoned and soft. It’s the kind of recipe passed down from generations—wholesome, budget-friendly, and soul-satisfying.
Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal or hosting a Southern-style feast, Mom’s Purple Hull Peas make a perfect side. The ingredients are minimal, but the flavor is rich and familiar. Serve it with cornbread, rice, or fried chicken, and you’ll have a plate full of pure comfort. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of home.
Why You’ll Love Mom’s Purple Hull Peas
- Classic Southern flavor with simple pantry ingredients
- Smoky bacon adds rich, comforting taste to every spoonful
- Easy to prepare with minimal prep and hands-off cooking
- Pairs perfectly with other Southern staples like cornbread or fried chicken
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Ingredients
When you think of hearty, comforting Southern cooking, Purple Hull Peas immediately come to mind. This simple recipe transforms basic pantry staples into a rich, flavorful dish filled with tender peas, smoky bacon, and the option of adding soft, earthy okra. Each ingredient plays a role in creating the cozy, down-home flavor that makes Mom’s Purple Hull Peas a timeless favorite.
- 1½ pounds frozen Purple Hull Peas – These tender peas are the heart of the dish, offering a rich, slightly nutty flavor when simmered low and slow.
- Water – Enough to fully cover the Purple Hull Peas and create a broth as they cook.
- 8 ounces fresh or frozen okra (optional) – Okra adds traditional Southern texture and a hint of natural thickness to the broth.
- 4 ounces bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces – Smoky bacon infuses the Purple Hull Peas with bold, savory depth as they simmer together.
- 1 tablespoon white sugar – A small touch of sweetness balances the smoky and savory notes.
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the Purple Hull Peas soften beautifully during the long simmer.
- Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
How to Make
Making a pot of tender, flavorful Purple Hull Peas is simple, but the results are incredibly satisfying. Follow these easy steps to bring a true taste of the South to your table.
- Prepare the Purple Hull Peas
Place the frozen Purple Hull Peas into a large pot. Pour in enough cold water to fully cover the peas. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the peas cook evenly.
- Add Okra if Using
Once the water reaches a boil, add the fresh or frozen okra if you’re including it. Boil the Purple Hull Peas and okra together for about 2 minutes, stirring once or twice to mix.
- Season the Pot
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the bacon pieces, white sugar, baking soda, and season with salt and pepper. These simple ingredients build a rich broth that soaks into the Purple Hull Peas as they cook. - Simmer Until Tender
Cover the pot and let the Purple Hull Peas simmer gently for 1½ to 2 hours. Stir occasionally and check the peas for tenderness. They should be soft but not falling apart.
- Serve and Enjoy
Once the Purple Hull Peas are tender and flavorful, remove from heat. Serve them warm with a side of cornbread, rice, or your favorite Southern dishes.
Tips and Variations
Use Fresh Purple Hull Peas When Available
If you can find fresh peas during the summer, use them instead of frozen for an even more vibrant flavor. Fresh ones tend to be a little sweeter and cook slightly faster.
Adjust the Seasoning to Taste
These peas soak up flavors beautifully. Feel free to adjust the salt, pepper, or even add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne if you like a little extra heat.
Skip the Okra If You Prefer
While okra gives a traditional Southern texture and a slightly thickened broth, you can absolutely skip it if you prefer a simpler pot of tender peas.
Enhance the Broth for More Flavor
For an even richer taste, substitute part of the water with chicken broth. It adds depth without overpowering the delicate, earthy flavor of the peas.
Make It a Full Meal
Add extra protein like smoked sausage, ham hock, or leftover cooked chicken directly into the pot to turn this dish into a hearty one-pot meal.
What to Serve with Mom’s Purple Hull Peas
Purple Hull Peas are a staple on any classic Southern table, and they pair wonderfully with a wide range of comforting dishes. Their hearty, smoky flavor makes them the perfect match for everything from crispy fried foods to tender roasted meats.
Cornbread
A slice of warm, buttery cornbread is practically made to go alongside a bowl of Purple Hull Peas. The crumbly texture and slight sweetness balance the savory richness of the peas perfectly.
Fried Chicken or Catfish
For a full Southern feast, serve your Purple Hull Peas next to golden fried chicken or crispy fried catfish. The crispy exterior of the meat contrasts beautifully with the tender peas.
Steamed Rice
Ladle your Purple Hull Peas over a mound of fluffy white rice to soak up all the savory broth. It turns this simple side into a hearty, satisfying main dish.
Collard Greens or Turnip Greens
A helping of slow-cooked greens next to Purple Hull Peas adds more earthy, robust flavor to your plate—and keeps everything feeling wholesome and home-cooked.
Fresh Sliced Tomatoes and Onions
Keep it simple with fresh tomato and onion slices on the side. Their cool, crisp bite complements the smoky, tender Purple Hull Peas beautifully, especially during the summer months.
How to Store
Purple Hull Peas store beautifully, making them a great option for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. With the right storage method, you can keep their flavor and texture just as comforting as when freshly made.
Refrigerator Storage
Allow the peas to cool completely after cooking. Transfer them, along with a bit of their savory broth, into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the texture.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze leftovers, they are freezer-friendly! Place the cooled peas and broth into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips
When reheating, do so slowly over low heat. This preserves their tender texture and keeps the broth flavorful. Avoid boiling them too hard during reheating, as it can cause them to break apart.
Servings and Timing
A pot of Mom’s Purple Hull Peas makes the perfect addition to any meal, whether you’re feeding a small family or a hungry crowd. Thanks to their hearty, filling nature, a little goes a long way.
Servings
This recipe for Purple Hull Peas yields about 6 generous side servings. If you’re serving the peas over rice or alongside multiple dishes, you could easily stretch it to 8 smaller portions. For larger gatherings or holiday meals, simply double the recipe to keep everyone satisfied.
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1½ to 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 to 2½ hours
Although Purple Hull Peas simmer for a while, most of the time is hands-off, giving you the freedom to prepare the rest of your meal or just relax while the kitchen fills with cozy, savory aromas.
More Recipes from Recipes Hungry to Try
If you loved making Mom’s Purple Hull Peas, you’ll enjoy these other comforting and flavorful recipes from Recipes Hungry. Each dish brings hearty, satisfying flavors perfect for family meals and gatherings.
- Cheesy Loaded Beef Fries – Crispy fries topped with seasoned beef, melty cheese, and fresh toppings for the ultimate snack or casual dinner.
- Crispy Balsamic-Thyme Potato Torte – Beautifully layered potatoes baked with a balsamic glaze and fresh thyme for a stunning and savory side dish.
- Baked Garlic Butter Chicken with Mozzarella – Juicy chicken breasts baked with rich garlic butter and gooey mozzarella cheese for a simple, crowd-pleasing dinner.
- Mary Berry Macaroni Cheese Recipe – A creamy, classic macaroni and cheese recipe inspired by Mary Berry, perfect for cozy weeknights.
- Reuben Casserole Recipe – All the bold flavors of a Reuben sandwich baked into a cheesy, hearty casserole ideal for potlucks and comfort food cravings.
FAQs
Can I use fresh Purple Hull Peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh Purple Hull Peas work beautifully in this recipe! They may cook a little faster than frozen peas, so start checking for tenderness after about an hour of simmering.
Do I have to add okra to Mom’s Purple Hull Peas?
No, the okra is completely optional. Some love the added texture and thickness it brings, while others prefer their Purple Hull Peas without it. Feel free to leave it out based on your taste.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you prefer not to use bacon, you can substitute diced smoked sausage, ham hock, or even a few drops of liquid smoke to add that signature smoky flavor to your Purple Hull Peas.
Can I cook Purple Hull Peas in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Place the Purple Hull Peas, bacon, seasonings, and water into a slow cooker. Cook on low for about 6 to 7 hours or on high for about 3 to 4 hours until tender.
How do I prevent the peas from becoming too mushy?
The key to keeping Purple Hull Peas tender but not mushy is to simmer them gently over low to medium-low heat. Avoid vigorous boiling during the cooking process, and stir only occasionally.