How to Cook Purple Whole Peas
Purple whole peas, also known as purple hull peas, are a type of legume that are similar to black-eyed peas. They have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, making them a popular ingredient in Southern cuisine. If you’re wondering how to cook purple whole peas, here’s a simple method to follow:
1. Start by rinsing the peas under cold water to remove any dirt or debris.
2. Place the peas in a large pot and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours. This will help soften the peas and reduce their cooking time.
3. Drain the soaked peas and rinse them again.
4. In the same pot, add fresh water or broth to cover the peas. You can also add seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic, or onion powder for added flavor.
5. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the peas cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Once the peas are cooked, you can serve them as a side dish or use them in various recipes. They can be eaten on their own, mixed with rice, or added to soups, stews, or salads.
Do You Eat the Hull of Purple Hull Peas?
When cooking purple hull peas, it is generally recommended to remove the hulls before eating. The hull is the outer shell or covering of the pea, and it can be tough and fibrous. While some people may choose to eat the hulls, most prefer to remove them for a more enjoyable eating experience.
To remove the hulls from purple hull peas, you can follow these steps:
1. After cooking the peas until they are tender, drain them and let them cool slightly.
2. Take a handful of peas and gently squeeze each pea between your thumb and forefinger. The hull should easily slip off, leaving the tender pea inside.
3. Repeat this process with the remaining peas until all the hulls are removed.
Once the hulls are removed, you can enjoy the tender and flavorful purple hull peas.
What is the Difference Between Purple Whole Peas and Black-Eyed Peas?
While purple whole peas and black-eyed peas are both types of legumes, there are some key differences between the two:
1. Appearance: Purple whole peas have a vibrant purple color, while black-eyed peas are pale cream or beige with a black “eye” in the center.
2. Flavor: Purple whole peas have a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor compared to black-eyed peas.
3. Texture: Purple whole peas have a tender texture, while black-eyed peas are slightly firmer.
4. Cooking Time: Purple whole peas generally cook faster than black-eyed peas. Purple whole peas usually take around 45 minutes to 1 hour to cook, while black-eyed peas can take up to 1.5 to 2 hours.
5. Culinary Uses: Purple whole peas are commonly used in Southern cuisine, often served as a side dish or mixed with rice. Black-eyed peas are also popular in Southern cooking and are often used in dishes like Hoppin’ John or as a filling for fritters or patties.
What Are Purple Hull Peas Good For?
Purple hull peas are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Here are some reasons why purple hull peas are good for you:
1. High in Fiber: Purple hull peas are a great source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive system.
2. Rich in Protein: Purple hull peas are a good plant-based source of protein, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians or vegans.
3. Antioxidant-Rich: Purple hull peas are rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body against damage from harmful free radicals.
4. Vitamins and Minerals: Purple hull peas are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including folate, iron, potassium, and magnesium.
5. Heart Health: The fiber and antioxidants in purple hull peas may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels and improving blood pressure.
Overall, purple hull peas are a nutritious and versatile legume that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. So why not give them a try in your next meal?
How long do you blanch purple hull peas?
To blanch purple hull peas, you will need to bring a pot of water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the peas to the pot and let them cook for about 2-3 minutes. After the cooking time is up, immediately transfer the peas to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Blanching purple hull peas helps to preserve their color, texture, and nutrients.
Do purple hull peas need to be thinned?
Yes, purple hull peas do need to be thinned. Thinning refers to the process of removing excess plants to allow the remaining plants to have enough space to grow and thrive. When purple hull peas are young and just starting to grow, they may need to be thinned to ensure proper air circulation and to prevent overcrowding. Thin the seedlings by gently pulling out the weaker ones, leaving only the healthiest and strongest plants to continue growing.
What to do with purple hull peas after shelling?
After shelling purple hull peas, there are several delicious ways to enjoy them. Here are a few ideas:
1. Cook them as a side dish: Boil the shelled peas in seasoned water until tender. You can add some bacon, onion, garlic, or other seasonings for extra flavor.
2. Add them to salads: Purple hull peas can be a great addition to salads, adding a burst of color and texture. Simply toss them with your favorite greens, vegetables, and dressing.
3. Make a soup or stew: Purple hull peas can be cooked in a flavorful broth along with other vegetables and proteins to create a hearty soup or stew.
4. Freeze them for later use: If you have a surplus of shelled purple hull peas, you can blanch them briefly and then freeze them in freezer-safe bags or containers. This way, you can enjoy them throughout the year.
Do purple hull peas taste like black-eyed peas?
Although both purple hull peas and black-eyed peas belong to the cowpea family, they do have some differences in taste. Purple hull peas have a slightly sweeter and nuttier flavor compared to black-eyed peas. They also have a slightly softer texture. However, both peas are delicious and can be used interchangeably in many recipes.
What do purple hull peas taste like?
Purple hull peas have a unique flavor that is often described as sweet, nutty, and slightly earthy. They are milder in taste compared to other legumes and have a creamy texture when cooked. Purple hull peas are a popular ingredient in Southern cuisine and are used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, salads, and side dishes.
What is another name for purple hull peas?
Purple hull peas are also commonly known as pink-eyed peas or southern peas. They are a type of legume that is widely grown and enjoyed in the southern United States.
Can you eat pea hulls?
Pea hulls, also known as pea pods or shells, are edible and can be eaten. However, they are often tough and fibrous, so they are more commonly discarded and only the peas inside are consumed.
Can you eat the pod of a shelling pea?
Shelling peas, also known as garden peas or English peas, have a thick, fibrous pod that is not typically eaten. The pod is usually removed to access the sweet and tender peas inside.
Which tastes better: black-eyed peas or purple hull peas?
Taste preferences can vary, but both black-eyed peas and purple hull peas have their own distinct flavors. Black-eyed peas have a slightly nutty and earthy taste, while purple hull peas are known for their slightly sweeter and creamier flavor. Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to personal preference.
Can you eat purple pea pods?
Purple pea pods, also known as purple snow pea pods, are edible and can be eaten. They are often used in salads or stir-fries, and they add a vibrant color to dishes. The pods are tender and have a slightly sweet flavor.
Summary
Purple hull peas, also known as pink-eyed peas or southern peas, are a type of legume. While the pea hulls or pods of shelling peas and black-eyed peas are typically not eaten, the pods of purple pea pods are edible. Taste preferences between black-eyed peas and purple hull peas can vary, with black-eyed peas having a nuttier flavor and purple hull peas having a slightly sweeter and creamier taste.
