Southern Purple Hull Peas Recipe (Easy Slow Cooker Method)

Slow cooker purple hull peas on a plate with cornbread and greens.

5 from 15 votes

Southern Purple Hull Peas Recipe (Easy Slow Cooker Method)

Purple Hull Peas are about as southern as a glass of sweet iced tea. This easy Slow Cooker Purple Hull Peas recipe is versatile, flavored with ham, and is sure to be a crowd-pleasing dish. The easiest way to prepare a southern delicacy.

Prep Time5

Cook Time6

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Servings: servings

Calories: 383kcal

Author: Gina Abernathy

Ingredients

8 cups purple hull peas freshly frozen, or fresh
ham bone or ham pieces use leftover ham if you have it or (see Notes)
8-10 cups water or chicken broth
seasonings- as desired salt, pepper, garlic, onion

Instructions

Place frozen peas in a colander and rinse with water. Remove any peas that have bad spots.
Place peas in a slow cooker. Add the ham bone and season as desired.
Cover with water or chicken/vegetable stock, Cook on high for 5 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
Remove ham bone and cartilage.

Notes

Stovetop Method:

Simply rinse, sort, and add the peas to a large pot. Add 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.

Use leftover ham/ham bone if you have it.
Other meats to use instead of ham: ham hock, bacon, salt pork, smoked turkey
Note: I used 8 cups of frozen peas. This recipe will work for 4 cups as well. Adjust the liquid as needed if using fewer peas.
Use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead of water.

Nutrition