Food & Recipes

Crowder Peas – A Southern Culinary Delight with 3 Delicious Recipes

azura Everhart September 4, 2024 No Comments
Crowder Peas

A variety of field peas popular in Southern foods are known as crowder peas. These peas are different from regular garden peas because they belong to a group of beans called cowpeas. Such peas come in pods and are called “crowder” because the peas crowd the pod, hence the term ‘crowders’.

These peas are not only popular in the southern part of the country, but their nutritional value and versatility in cooking significantly contribute to their global popularity.

How to Cook Crowder Peas

The cooking of these types of peas is easy. You can boil, stew, or fry depending on the dish. Fresh ones can also be spotted in the farmers’ markets during the growing season. Alternatively, however, they are available dried or frozen in a grocery store.

Basic Cooking Method

  1. Rinse the Peas: The first step is to rinse the peas with cold water to wash away any dirt present.
  2. Soak the Peas (if dried): If using dried peas, soak them in water for 6-8 hours or overnight to soften them.
  3. Boil the Peas: Place the peas in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until tender.
  4. Season: Add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Now that you have the basics down, let’s dive into three mouth-watering recipes featuring crowder peas.

Recipe 1: Southern-Style Crowder Peas with Bacon and Ham

This classic Southern dish combines crowder peas with smoky bacon and savory ham, creating a rich and flavorful meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen crowder peas
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Start with a large pot where you will render down the chopped bacon over medium heat to crisp. When the bacon is crispy, remove with a slotted spoon and put aside while retaining the bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced ham, onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the ham is browned.
  3. Add the Peas: Stir in the crowder peas, chicken broth, seasoned salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
  4. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and simmer the peas for 30-40 minutes, or until tender. Stir occasionally.
  5. Serve: Remove the bay leaf, stir in the crispy bacon, and serve the crowder peas over rice or with cornbread for a true Southern experience.

Recipe 2: Crowder Peas with Tomatoes and Green Onions

This lighter recipe pairs crowder peas with fresh tomatoes and green onions for a vibrant, healthy dish that can be served as a side or a main course.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen crowder peas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant.
  2. Cook the Peas: Add the crowder peas and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes, or until the peas are tender.
  3. Add the Tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
  4. Finish with Green Onions: Stir in the sliced green onions and chopped parsley. Serve warm, either as a side dish or over rice for a complete meal.

Recipe 3: Spicy Crowder Peas with Sausage

This works if you love something spicy, because here the spicy crowder peas recipe lays bold spices together with spicy sausage, making it warm and filling.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen crowder peas
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound spicy sausage (such as andouille or chorizo), sliced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Instructions

  1. Brown the Sausage: Start preparing the ingredients by heating a pot and drizzling some olive oil on medium flame it. When hot, add the sliced sausages into it and cook until browned. Retrieve the sausage with a slotted spoon and put aside.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, toss the onion, bell pepper and garlic that had all been diced. Sauté even till the vegetables become soft.
  3. Cook the Peas: Add the crowder peas, chicken broth, smoked paprika, cayenne, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the temperature and let it cook undisturbed for around thirty to forty minutes or until the peas become soft.
  4. Combine: Put the browned sausage back into the seasoned vessel and let it go for another 5-10 minutes on the clock for all the tastes to be well incorporated.
  5. Serve: Add the cilantro leaves and serve piping hot as a standalone dish or as a side dish with other accompaniments.

Conclusion

Crowder peas are very easy to work in a variety of enticing recipes. You can always have them battered and smothered with bacon and ham, deep-fried with tomatoes and green onions, or stewed with sausage—the richness of crowder peas is undeniable in whatever the preparation is on. The above recipes are basic recipes; do not be frightened to use your favorite spices and ingredients in making every dish a personal creation.

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