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November 19, 2024
Cream peas are a beloved staple in Southern cuisine. This simple and delicious dish is packed with flavor and can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a taste of the South, learning how to cook cream peas is a must.
When it comes to Southern cooking, it’s all about using fresh and seasonal ingredients. To make cream peas, you’ll need a few key ingredients: dried peas, bacon or ham hock, onions, garlic, and chicken broth. The combination of these ingredients creates a rich and savory flavor that is sure to impress.
Begin by rinsing the dried peas and removing any debris. Soak the peas overnight to help soften them and reduce cooking time. In a large pot, cook the bacon or ham hock until it becomes crispy. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.
Next, it’s time to add the soaked peas into the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the peas are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the peas are cooked to perfection, it’s time to add the cream. Pour in enough cream to achieve your desired consistency, and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the cream peas hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. They pair well with cornbread, collard greens, or fried chicken. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab your apron and get ready to enjoy the hearty and comforting flavors of cream peas, Southern style!
Step-by-step guide to cooking cream peas southern style
To make delicious cream peas southern style, follow these simple steps:
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Step 1: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. |
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Step 2: Add the shelled peas to the boiling water and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes or until tender. |
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Step 3: While the peas are cooking, in a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. |
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Step 4: Add diced onions to the melted butter and cook until they become translucent. |
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Step 5: Sprinkle flour over the onions and butter mixture and stir well to combine. |
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Step 6: Gradually add milk to the flour mixture, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. |
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Step 7: Once the peas are cooked, drain them and add them to the saucepan with the milk and onion mixture. |
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Step 8: Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. |
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Step 9: Simmer the peas in the sauce for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together. |
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Step 10: Serve the cream peas southern style hot as a side dish or over rice. |
Soak the peas overnight
Before preparing the cream peas, it’s important to soak them overnight. This step helps to soften the peas and reduce cooking time, ensuring that they cook evenly and become tender.
To soak the peas, measure out the desired amount and place them in a large bowl. Cover the peas with enough water to completely submerge them. It’s a good idea to use at least twice the amount of water as peas, as they will expand during soaking.
Once the peas are covered with water, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let them soak overnight at room temperature. This extended soaking period allows the peas to rehydrate and become plump.
Before cooking, drain the soaked peas and rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities that may be present. The peas are now ready to be cooked in the cream pea recipe of your choice, imparting a deliciously creamy flavor to the dish.
Rinse and drain the peas
Before cooking the cream peas, it is important to rinse and drain them properly. This will help remove any lingering dirt or debris that may be present. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Rinse the peas
Place the peas in a colander and run them under cold water. Use your hands to gently stir and swirl the peas around, ensuring that every pea gets rinsed properly. Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.
Step 2: Drain the peas
Once the peas are rinsed, let them sit in the colander for a few minutes to drain any excess water. You can also gently shake the colander to help remove any remaining water.
Now that you have properly rinsed and drained the peas, they are ready to be used in your delicious southern-style cream peas recipe!
Cook the bacon and onions
To begin making cream peas Southern style, start by cooking the bacon and onions. This step is essential as it adds a rich flavor to the dish.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Take a deep skillet or a large saucepan and heat it over medium heat.
- Add the bacon slices to the pan and cook them until they become crispy. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Once the bacon is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off excess grease.
- In the same skillet, leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease and discard the rest.
- Add the diced onions to the skillet and cook them in the remaining bacon grease until they become translucent and start to caramelize.
- Stir the onions occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Once the onions are cooked, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
The cooked bacon and onions will serve as the base for the cream pea dish, adding delicious smoky and savory flavors.
Add the peas and broth
Ingredients:
| 2 cups cream peas |
| 4 cups vegetable broth |
First, make sure to rinse and drain the cream peas thoroughly. This will remove any dirt or debris that may be present. Then, add the peas to the pot with the cooked onions and garlic.
Next, pour in the vegetable broth. The broth will help to soften and cook the peas, while also infusing them with flavor. Stir everything together to ensure that the peas are well-coated in the broth.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let the peas simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until they are tender and the flavors have melded together.
During the cooking process, stir occasionally to prevent the peas from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If needed, add more broth or water to the pot to keep the peas submerged.
Once the cream peas are cooked to perfection, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish is best enjoyed hot and pairs well with cornbread or rice.
Now that the cream peas and broth are added, you’re one step closer to enjoying a delicious southern-style meal. The creamy peas and savory broth come together to create a comforting and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy.
Simmer until peas are tender
Once you have added all the necessary ingredients to the pot, it’s time to start simmering. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Then, reduce the heat to low and let the cream peas simmer gently.
Allow the peas to cook undisturbed for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until they are tender. Keep a close eye on them and stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure even cooking.
When the peas are tender and the mixture has thickened to your desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat. You can test the peas for doneness by simply tasting one. It should be soft but not mushy.
Remember that the cooking time may vary depending on the type and freshness of the peas, so it’s important to keep checking for tenderness and adjusting the cooking time accordingly. Don’t rush this step, as simmering the peas slowly allows them to fully absorb the flavors of the other ingredients.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a creamier texture, you can use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to gently mash some of the peas against the side of the pot. This will help thicken the mixture and give it a smoother consistency.
Simmering the peas until they are tender is a crucial step in achieving the perfect southern-style cream peas. Make sure to take your time and enjoy the process of cooking this delicious dish.
Serve and enjoy
Cream peas southern style are best served hot as a side dish. They pair well with a variety of main dishes, such as fried chicken, pork chops, or grilled steak. To serve, simply spoon the creamy peas onto a plate or into a bowl.
For added flavor, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top. This will not only enhance the presentation but also add a burst of freshness to the dish. Serve alongside some warm cornbread or biscuits for a truly southern meal.
Don’t forget to grab a spoonful of the delicious creamy sauce that coats the peas. It is full of flavor and adds a creamy texture to the dish. The combination of the creamy sauce and tender peas is simply irresistible.
Now is the time to dig in and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of cream peas southern style. Take a moment to savor each bite and appreciate the southern culinary tradition that this dish represents. Whether enjoyed at a family gathering or a casual weeknight dinner, cream peas southern style are sure to satisfy and leave you wanting more.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients for cooking cream peas southern style?
The main ingredients for cooking cream peas southern style are dried peas, bacon, onion, garlic, chicken broth, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the dried peas before cooking?
Before cooking, you need to soak the dried peas in water overnight to soften them and reduce the cooking time.
Can I use any other type of meat instead of bacon?
Yes, if you don’t have bacon, you can use ham hock or smoked sausage as a substitute.
What can I serve cream peas southern style with?
Cream peas southern style can be served as a side dish with cornbread, rice, or biscuits. Some people even enjoy them with fried chicken or pork chops.