Crowder peas can work in many dishes.

Image Credit: yands/iStock/Getty Images Crowder peas are part of a Southern pea group called field peas. They were most likely brought to America by Spanish explorers or African slaves. Fresh crowder peas have a more robust flavor than black-eyed peas or cream peas and are known for the dark juices they leave in the pot. Prepare dried crowder peas by soaking them overnight. Cooking crowder peas is not at all complicated, but they do benefit from some flavoring, so boil crowder peas with bacon, ham or salt pork.

  Advertisement
 
Step 1

Place your crowder peas in a bowl and cover them with water. Let them soak overnight.

  Video of the Day
  
Step 2

Set a colander in the, sink and pour the crowder peas into it. Let them drain.

Step 3

Put your chopped bacon into a large pot on the stove, and turn the burner to medium-high. Let the bacon cook, stirring it occasionally, until the bottom of the pot is coated with bacon drippings.

  Advertisement
 
Step 4

Add the onion and garlic. Cook them, stirring occasionally, until the onion gets soft, about five to seven minutes.

  Advertisement
 
Step 5

Pour the chicken broth into the pot, and stir the vegetables up from the bottom. Bring the broth to a boil.

Step 6

Add the crowder peas, and bring the broth back to a boil. Cover the pot, and turn the heat down to a low simmer.

Step 7

Simmer the crowder peas until they are tender, 30 to 45 minutes. Season them with cracked or cayenne pepper to taste.

Things You'll Need

10 oz. dried crowder peas Colander Pot with lid 4 to 6 slices bacon, chopped 1 small onion, chopped 4 cloves garlic, chopped 2 cups chicken broth Cracked or cayenne pepper (optional) Tip Serve crowder peas over rice for a quick and hearty lunch. Warning Don’t overcook crowder peas, because they will get mushy.

  Advertisement
 
  Advertisement
  
  references & resources
  
      University of Florida; Florida Food Fare; Southern Peas; Jean Meadows and Mary King
    
      NOLA.com; Sausage and Crowder Peas; Judy Walker; June 2011
    
      Emerils.com: Creole Crowder Peas
       




  references & resources
  
      University of Florida; Florida Food Fare; Southern Peas; Jean Meadows and Mary King
    
      NOLA.com; Sausage and Crowder Peas; Judy Walker; June 2011
    
      Emerils.com: Creole Crowder Peas
    




Crowder peas can work in many dishes.

Image Credit: yands/iStock/Getty Images

Image Credit: yands/iStock/Getty Images

  • 10 oz. dried crowder peas
  • Colander
  • Pot with lid
  • 4 to 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Cracked or cayenne pepper (optional)

Serve crowder peas over rice for a quick and hearty lunch.

Don’t overcook crowder peas, because they will get mushy.

      University of Florida; Florida Food Fare; Southern Peas; Jean Meadows and Mary King
    
      NOLA.com; Sausage and Crowder Peas; Judy Walker; June 2011
    
      Emerils.com: Creole Crowder Peas