Emilie Meyer
White acre peas are a true Southern delicacy and are often served with cornbread. They are best when cooked with meat or bones that render fat to release flavor, such as smoked neck bones, ham hock, or bacon. The three keys to delicious Southern-style peas are sauteeing the meat/bone/fat, adding a rich broth, and cooking low and slow or with pressure. To cook white acre peas in a crock pot, first blanch the peas by adding them to boiling water and cooking for one to two minutes, then immediately plunge them into an ice-water bath to stop the cooking process. Next, add olive oil or bacon grease to the crock pot over medium-low heat. Add onion and saute for about six to seven minutes, then add garlic and saute for another minute. Add the ham hock or your desired pork product, the peas, water, kosher salt, and pepper. Add enough water to cover the peas by at least an inch, then bring the water to a boil. Finally, reduce the heat to low and let the peas simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pot | Medium-sized saucepan, crock pot, instant pot |
| Temperature | Medium-low heat |
| Ingredients | White acre peas, olive oil or bacon grease, onion, garlic, ham hock or pork product, water, kosher salt, pepper, fresh parsley |
| Broth | Chicken broth, chicken stock, vegetable broth |
| Cooking time | 20-25 minutes, or until tender |
| Seasoning | Salt and pepper to taste |
| Serving suggestions | Cornbread, tomatoes, okra |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 4 days, or freeze |
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What You'll Learn
Blanching the peas
Blanching is an important step in preparing White Acre peas for the freezer. It stops the action of naturally occurring enzymes that help the peas ripen, and it ensures that the peas retain their flavour and texture.
To blanch the peas, first, wash the peas thoroughly. Next, add them to a pot of boiling water. Cover the pot with a lid and cook the peas for around 1.5 to 2 minutes. Then, remove the peas from the boiling water and drain them well. Immediately transfer the peas to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking process. Once the peas are chilled, drain them again and ensure they are well dried.
After blanching, the peas can be stored in airtight containers or plastic freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. They will keep in the freezer for several months.
Some cooks choose to season the peas before blanching. This can be done by adding a form of pork, such as bacon drippings, fatback, or ham hock, or by using salted pork or bacon grease.
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Meat and seasoning
White acre peas are a true Southern delicacy. When preparing them in a crock pot, the meat and seasoning you use are important components that can make or break the dish.
Meat is an essential ingredient in white acre peas, and it serves two purposes: to develop flavour and to act as a thickener. Most cooks add some form of pork, such as bacon drippings, fatback, ham hock, or salted pork. You can also use leftover ham, bacon, or salt pork. If you don't want to use pork, you can substitute it with a package of dry ham-flavoured concentrate or use smoked turkey legs.
When adding meat to your white acre peas, you have a few options. You can choose to cook the meat separately and add it to the crock pot, or you can cook it directly in the pot. If you're using bacon, it's recommended to cook it in a pan first until crispy, then crumble it before adding it to the crock pot. This ensures that the bacon doesn't turn greasy. For ham hocks, you can add them at the beginning of the cooking process and remove the meat from the bone once it's cooked. Shred the meat with two forks and add it back into the peas.
Seasoning is also crucial to enhancing the flavour of your white acre peas. Basic seasonings like salt and pepper are a must, and you can also add red pepper flakes for a kick of spice. If you're looking for a more well-rounded flavour, you can use Creole seasoning, thyme, bay leaf, paprika, and bouillon powder. These seasonings will give your peas a tad spicy, smoky flavour. Don't be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences. You can also add vegetables like onion, celery, and garlic to boost the flavour and texture of your dish.
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Broth and cooking time
When cooking white acre peas, the broth you use and the cooking time are important factors in determining the final result. Firstly, let's discuss the broth. For a flavourful broth, you can use chicken or vegetable broth as a base. Additionally, adding meat such as bacon, ham hock, or salted pork will enhance the flavour and act as a thickening agent. If you prefer a vegetarian option, simply omit the meat and add a package of dry ham-flavoured concentrate for a similar taste.
Now, let's move on to the cooking time. The cooking time for white acre peas can vary depending on your preferred method and the desired level of doneness. If you're using a crock pot or slow cooker, the cooking time will be longer than on a stovetop. On a stovetop, the cooking time can range from 25 to 30 minutes for a simmer, or up to 2 hours for a low and slow cook. Remember to taste the peas periodically to check for seasoning and doneness.
If you're using a crock pot, the cooking time will depend on the setting you choose. A high setting will cook the peas faster, usually within a few hours, while a low setting can take up to 8 hours or more. It's important to refer to your crock pot's instructions for specific guidelines. Additionally, consider the size of your peas; smaller peas will require less cooking time, while larger peas may need a bit more time.
Regardless of the cooking method, it's important to ensure that your peas are properly cooked but not overdone. Taste-testing during the cooking process is a good way to determine their doneness and adjust the cooking time accordingly. Remember, you can always add a few extra minutes if needed, but it's difficult to reverse overcooked peas.
Finally, once your peas are cooked, you can serve them immediately, or store them in the refrigerator for up to four days. Cooked white acre peas can also be frozen for longer-term storage.
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Storage
White acre peas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. They can also be frozen for several months. To freeze white acre peas, they must first be blanched to stop the action of naturally occurring enzymes that help them ripen. To blanch the peas, add them to boiling water and cook for one and a half to two minutes. Then, immediately plunge them into an ice-water bath to stop the cooking process. Once the peas have drained and cooled, they can be stored in airtight containers or plastic freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.
It is recommended to buy white acre peas in bulk and freeze them, as they are only available seasonally during the summer months. When buying in bulk, it is cheaper to purchase by the bushel. It is also suggested to call around to different farmer's markets to find the best source for your peas.
The fresher and smaller the legumes are, the less time they will need to cook. It is important to note that the cooling time for cooked white acre peas should not exceed six hours.
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Serving suggestions
White acre peas can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some suggestions:
Rice Bowl
You can serve the peas over rice, with or without meat. For a vegetarian option, you can skip the meat and add more vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers. For meat lovers, adding a ham hock or bacon to the crockpot while cooking will infuse the peas with a rich, decadent flavour. You can also serve the dish with a side of smoked turkey or ham.
Soup
To make a soup, transfer 2-3 cups of the peas and cooking liquid to a blender and puree the mixture. Add this back into the crockpot and stir to combine. Adjust the seasoning to taste and serve warm. You can also add some chopped kale or collard greens 20-30 minutes before the beans are done for extra nutrition and flavour.
Salad or Dip
The peas can also be enjoyed cold in a salad or as a dip. Simply cook the peas as desired and let them cool thoroughly before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Stew
You can also add the cooked peas to a stew. Start with a base of water and onions, and then build upon it with other vegetables and your choice of meat. For a chunkier stew, add carrots and celery, along with a can of diced tomatoes. Serve the stew with rice and greens on the side.
Cornbread
For a special New Year's treat, serve the peas with collard greens—representing folded money—and freshly baked cornbread.
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Frequently asked questions
Wash the peas and blanch them by adding them to a pot of boiling water. Cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove the peas and drain them. Add the peas to a crock pot with chicken stock or water, ensuring the liquid just barely covers the peas. Add in fat seasoning, such as bacon grease, and cook on low heat for 20-30 minutes.
Blanch the peas for 1-2 minutes before immediately placing them in ice water to halt the cooking process.
Bacon grease is a popular option for white acre peas, but you can also use olive oil or butter.
Yes, you can add meat such as ham hock, bacon, or salted pork to the crock pot for added flavour.
Cooked white acre peas can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for several months.
