Southern Purple Hull Peas Recipe (Easy Slow Cooker Method)

Slow-cooked with a meaty ham bone and simple seasonings, these tender peas are the kind of comfort food that’s been served at Southern family dinners for generations. Pair them with a slice of warm cornbread, and you’ve got a meal that feels just like home.

If you grew up in the South, chances are you’ve spent a summer afternoon shelling peas on the porch. These purple hull peas may be simple, but when slow-cooked with a meaty ham bone (or pork) and savory seasonings, they become one of the most comforting dishes you’ll ever serve. Whether you’re using fresh purple hull peas from the garden or frozen peas from the freezer, this Southern purple hull peas recipe is easy, flavorful, and perfect for family dinners.

If you love to cook Southern beans, you’ll have to try my recipe for cooking Dried Pinto Beans, my Baby Lima Beans, my White Beans with Ham, and my Recipe with Great Northern Beans. They are all delicious, filling, and easy to cook.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic Southern Side Dish: This classic Southern side dish has been enjoyed for generations.
• Easy Slow Cooker Recipe: Let the slow cooker do the work for you.
• Works with Fresh or Frozen Peas: Use either fresh or frozen purple hull peas.
• Budget-Friendly: This recipe is inexpensive and freezer-friendly.

What Are Purple Hull Peas

Purple hull peas are a variety of Southern field peas that are closely related to black-eyed peas. They have a slightly sweeter flavor and creamier texture. They are a favorite throughout the South during the summer months. Fresh purple hull peas are often available at farmers’ markets and roadside stands. Frozen purple hull peas are available year-round in the freezer section at your local grocery store.

Ingredients Needed

For the correct measurements, see the recipe card below.

Slow Cooker Purple Hull Peas have a fresh and creamy taste; therefore, very few ingredients are needed for this recipe.

• Purple Hull Peas: For this recipe, I used freshly frozen peas. However, freshly shelled peas would also work nicely. I do not recommend using canned peas for this recipe.
• Ham Bone or Ham Pieces: I used a leftover ham bone I had in the freezer. This is a great way to use leftovers. A cup of diced ham works as well.
• Water or Chicken Broth: Cover the peas with either chicken broth or a combination of both.
• Seasonings: I kept it simple with salt, black pepper, garlic, onion, or onion powder (your choice). If using ham, little salt may be needed.

Recipe Variations

• Purple Hull Peas with Bacon: Substitute chopped bacon or pork for the ham bone. Boneless pork steak, pork chops, or neckbones will work great.
• Cajun Purple Hull Peas: Add smoked sausage and Cajun seasoning for extra flavor.
• Spicy Purple Hull Peas: Stir in diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
• Vegetarian Purple Hull Peas: Skip the ham and use vegetable broth.

How to Cook Southern Purple Hull Peas

These are the steps for cooking Purple Hull Peas in the slow cooker. The instructions for cooking peas on the stovetop are included below.

Step 1: Place frozen peas in a colander and rinse with water. Remove any peas that have bad spots and place them in a crock pot.

Step 2: Add the ham bone and season as desired. Cover with water or chicken/vegetable stock. Be sure to cover the peas with liquid completely.

Step 3: Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 6-8 hours.

Step 4: Remove the ham bone and cartilage, checking to ensure all cartilage has been removed. Stir the ham back into the peas and serve.

How Long Do Purple Hull Peas Take to Cook?

How long it takes to cook purple hull peas depends on the cooking method you choose.

• Slow cooker on HIGH: 5 hours
• Slow cooker on LOW: 6-8 hours
• Stovetop: 1½ to 2 hours

Fresh purple hull peas and frozen purple hull peas cook in about the same amount of time. You’ll know they’re done when the peas are tender and creamy.

How to Cook Fresh Purple Hull Peas on the Stove

Many southern cooks still prefer cooking peas on the stovetop. When I’m home, I do as well. Fresh purple hull peas can be cooked using the same method as frozen peas. Simply rinse, sort, and add them to a pot with your favorite seasonings. Add your choice of meat (ham, ham hocks, bacon, salt pork) and cover with cold water or chicken broth.
Bring the peas to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
Cover the pot and cook for 1 1/2 – 2 hours. Continue to check the water level and add more if it gets low. You’ll know they are ready when they are tender.

*As a note, all stoves cook differently. Adjust the cooking time as needed and keep an eye on the liquid level. You don’t want your peas to run out of liquid.

How to Store Leftovers:

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 

To Reheat: Place in the microwave until hot or heat in a saucepan on the stovetop.