Emilie Meyer
Cooking field peas and okra in a crock pot is a simple and tasty way to prepare this Southern US dish. The process involves a few steps, including soaking the peas, preparing the aromatics, and then combining all the ingredients in a slow cooker. The peas and okra are then cooked slowly for several hours, resulting in a delicious and hearty meal. This recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy the unique flavours and textures of Southern cuisine without spending hours in the kitchen.
How to cook field peas and okra in a crock pot
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Field peas, okra, water, bacon dripping, salt, pepper, cornbread, smoked meat products (e.g. ham hocks, bacon, smoked turkey necks and wings), olive oil, onion, jalapeno peppers, celery, chicken broth, ranch-style beans, chicken, garlic, ginger, habanero, smoked paprika, tomatoes, tomato sauce, miso or bouillon paste |
| Preparation | Place peas in a pot and cover with water. Add bacon dripping, salt and pepper. Cook on medium to medium-low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more water if required. Add okra pods to the top of the peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking and cook for an additional 15 minutes. |
| Cooking Time | 8-10 hours on low in a crock pot |
| Serving Suggestions | Serve with cornbread |
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What You'll Learn
Soak peas overnight or use quick soak method
To cook field peas and okra in a crock pot, you can either soak the peas overnight or use a quick soak method. Here is a step-by-step guide for both methods:
Overnight Soak Method:
- Place the dried peas in a large bowl and cover them with several inches of water. Let them soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- The next day, drain and rinse the soaked peas.
- Add the soaked peas to your crock pot, along with the other ingredients such as chicken broth, onions, celery, bacon, and seasonings.
- Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, depending on your crock pot's settings and instructions.
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, add the okra pods on top of the peas. Okra is added towards the end to prevent it from becoming too slimy.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until everything is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve and enjoy!
Quick Soak Method:
- Place the dried peas in a large pot and cover them with water.
- Bring the water to a boil and let the peas boil for about 1 minute.
- Turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the peas soak for 1 hour.
- After soaking, drain, rinse, and drain the peas again.
- Add the soaked peas to your crock pot, along with the other ingredients.
- Follow the same cooking instructions as the overnight soak method.
Remember to refer to specific recipes for ingredient quantities and additional tips. Enjoy your delicious crockpot of field peas and okra!
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Add ingredients to crock pot
To cook field peas and okra in a crock pot, start by placing the desired amount of peas in the crock pot and covering them with water. You can also add some bacon dripping, salt, and pepper to taste. If you're using canned peas, it's a good idea to rinse and drain them first.
Let the peas cook on medium to medium-low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until they reach your desired texture. Remember to taste them occasionally and adjust the seasonings as needed. If the mixture becomes too dry, you can add more water.
About 15 minutes before the peas are done, you can add the okra. Simply place the okra pods on top of the peas, cover, and continue cooking for an additional 15 minutes.
If you're using frozen okra, you can add it directly to the crock pot without thawing it first. Some people also like to include other ingredients such as onions, garlic, ginger, peppers, celery, or meat for extra flavor.
Once everything is in the crock pot, you can let it cook on low for around 8 to 10 hours, depending on your desired consistency.
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Cook on low for 8-10 hours
Cooking field peas and okra in a crock pot is a great way to make a delicious, hearty meal. After preparing your ingredients and placing them in the crock pot, it's time to let the slow cooker work its magic. Set the crock pot to low heat and let the dish cook for 8 to 10 hours. This extended cooking time at a low temperature allows the flavours to develop and the ingredients to become tender and infused with the spices and seasonings.
During this time, the crock pot will slowly but steadily heat the ingredients, ensuring that the peas and okra are cooked thoroughly. The low heat setting is crucial, as it prevents the dish from boiling or burning, which could ruin the texture and taste. By maintaining a gentle heat, the crock pot ensures that the peas and okra become soft and flavourful without disintegrating.
While the crock pot does its job, you can go about your day or even leave it on overnight, knowing that your meal will be ready when you are. This hands-off approach to cooking is one of the main benefits of using a crock pot, allowing you to prepare a meal with minimal effort and attention.
Depending on your preference, you may choose to cook the dish for eight hours for a slightly firmer texture or extend it to the full ten hours for a softer, more tender result. Remember that crock pots can vary in temperature, so it's a good idea to check on your meal occasionally to ensure it's cooking as expected.
Once the cooking time is complete, you'll be greeted by a delicious aroma and a hearty dish that's ready to be served. The peas and okra will have absorbed the flavours of the seasonings and spices, creating a tasty and nutritious meal that's perfect for sharing with family and friends.
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Add okra during the last 15 minutes
Okra is added towards the end of the cooking process, during the last 15 minutes. This is because it doesn't require a long cooking time and adding it at the beginning would result in a slimy texture. Okra is a natural thickening agent, so adding it at the end also prevents the mixture from becoming too thick.
When cooking field peas and okra in a crock pot, the peas are placed in the pot first and covered with water. They are then seasoned and cooked on a medium to medium-low heat for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. The okra pods are then added to the top of the peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking. The pot is covered again and cooked for an additional 15 minutes. This method ensures that the okra is cooked thoroughly but does not become overcooked or slimy.
The okra adds flavour to the peas and also provides a nice texture. It is recommended to use whole okra pods, as they hold their shape better during cooking and are easier to eat.
For a vegan option, aromatics such as onions, garlic, ginger, and habanero can be sautéed before adding smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and miso or bouillon paste are then added, followed by frozen black-eyed peas and frozen okra. This is cooked in a slow cooker for 8 hours.
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Serve with cornbread
When cooking field peas and okra in a crock pot, you can serve the dish with cornbread. This is a popular option, as cornbread complements the flavours of the peas and okra. It is a traditional side to serve with this meal, and it is a great way to make the meal more filling.
Cornbread is a quick bread made with cornmeal, flour, and a leavening agent, such as baking powder or soda. It is often sweetened with sugar or honey and can be baked in a variety of ways, from a skillet on the stovetop to an oven. Cornbread can be made in advance and served at room temperature or warmed up slightly before serving.
When serving cornbread with field peas and okra, you can also add some butter or olive oil to the bread to enhance the flavour and moisture. You can also sprinkle some herbs or spices on top of the cornbread to add some extra flavour. Some popular options include paprika, cayenne pepper, or dried oregano.
The cornbread can be served as a side dish, or you can place the field peas and okra on top of a slice of cornbread for a heartier meal. This is a great option if you want to make the dish more filling and satisfying. You can also serve the cornbread with some extra toppings, such as chopped green onions or tomatoes, to add some freshness and colour to the plate.
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Frequently asked questions
It takes around 8 to 10 hours to cook field peas and okra in a crock pot on low heat.
The ingredients needed are frozen black-eyed peas, chicken broth, ranch-style beans, onion, jalapeno peppers, celery, bacon, tomatoes, and okra.
First, place all the ingredients in the crock pot without thawing the peas or okra. Then, cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
