Easy Fresh Purple Hull Peas Prepared in Instant Pot

Enjoy fresh purple hull peas from summer farmers markets or early fall peas prepared using an Instant Pot as your cooking method.  You can prepare it with peas, water, and salt for a basic vegetable dish or spice it up with ham, onions, bell pepper and your favorite seasonings. Use frozen peas or dried peas and add just a little time for fresh cooked flavor.

It is perfect as a side dish for meals like Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel. Serve it for New Years or an easy weeknight dinner. It is extremely easy, healthy, and tastes delicious!

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How to Make Fresh Purple Hull Peas in the Instant Pot

Nothing beats the taste of fresh peas for a Southern recipe in the summer – except fresh peas prepared in the Instant Pot!  Let me warn you – once you try cooking in the Instant Pot the easy way you won’t want to go back to your old cooking methods.  See recipe below and try it out for yourself  to see how easy and delicious it is!

 If you love the flavors of Southern cuisine, you’re in for a treat! Today, we’re going to talk about how to prepare fresh purple hull peas in an Instant Pot. These delicious peas are not only tasty but also very easy to make. Let’s dive into this simple recipe that will have your family enjoying a healthy, comforting meal in no time!

What Are Purple Hull Peas?

Purple hull peas are a type of Southern pea that is popular in many parts of the South. They are similar to black-eyed peas, but they have a unique flavor and beautiful purple skins. These peas are sometimes called Southern purple hull peas, lady peas, or even zipper peas.

When cooked, they become tender and have a delightful taste that pairs well with many dishes like our recipe for How to Cook Pork Tenderloin in the Instant Pot.

You can often find fresh purple hull peas at your local farmer’s market or grocery store during the summer months. When buying them, look for fresh field peas that are plump and vibrant. Fresh peas are always the best choice for cooking!

Why Use an Instant Pot?

Using an Instant Pot for cooking purple hull peas is a game-changer! The pressure cooking method allows the peas to cook quickly while retaining their great flavor. With electronic pressure cookers, you can get the best results without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a one-pot method, making cleanup a breeze!

Basic Ingredients

To prepare this tasty dish with few ingredients for clean eating and wholesome flavor, you’ll need the following simple ingredients. See the recipe card below for complete instructions.

• 1 lb. fresh shelled purple hull peas
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 cup of water

Optional Ingredients and Variations

• 1 chopped onion
• 1 chopped bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 4 cups of chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1 piece of salt pork or a smoked ham hock (for flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• Additional spices like cayenne pepper or garlic for extra flavor

Cooking Process

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s go through the cooking process step by step for using optional ingredients. If you want the basic recipe steps, see the recipe card below.

Step 1: Prepare the Peas

Start by rinsing the fresh purple hull peas in cold water to remove any dirt or debris. After rinsing, set them aside to drain. Make sure you check for any bad peas and remove them.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables if Using Optional Ingredients

Next, turn on your Instant Pot and set it to medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5 minutes until they are soft and fragrant. This will add a wonderful flavor to your dish.

Step 3: Add the Peas and Broth

After the vegetables are sautéed, it’s time to add the fresh purple hull peas to the pot. Stir them in with the onions and bell peppers. Then, pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth if you prefer). Add the piece of salt pork or smoked ham hock for that classic Southern flavor.

Step 4: Season It Up

Now it’s time to add some seasoning! Sprinkle in the kosher salt and black pepper. If you like a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some minced garlic.

Step 5: Pressure Cooking

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to “sealing.” Select the high pressure cooking setting and set the timer for 15 minutes. This cooking time will give you tender peas that are perfect for enjoying on their own or as a tasty side dish.

Step 6: Release the Pressure

Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to release the pressure naturally for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully switch the valve to “venting” to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid and give everything a good stir.

Step 7: Enjoy!

Your purple hull peas are now ready to serve! You can enjoy them as a main dish or as a tasty side dish alongside cornbread or fried chicken. They are also great for special occasions like New Year’s when people eat peas for good luck!

Tips for Best Results

• If you want a thicker broth, you can mash some of the peas after cooking.
• Feel free to experiment with spices to suit your taste.
• Leftover peas can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and reheated easily.

Other Southern Pea Recipes

Once you get the hang of cooking fresh purple hull peas, you might want to explore other Southern pea recipes! Here are a few ideas:

• Black Eyed Peas in the Instant Pot – A simple recipe for tasty peas.
• Black Beans in the Instant Pot – An easy and delicious recipe to use as a side dish or adding beans to other recipes.
• How to Cook Lima Beans -Tender and perfect every time!
• How to Season Canned Black Beans – Spice up canned beans.

Each of these recipes will allow you to enjoy the wonderful flavors of Southern style cooking, using the same basic ingredients.

Conclusion

Easy Fresh Purple Hull Peas Prepared in Instant Pot is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this Southern staple. With just a few ingredients and some easy steps, you can have a meal that brings great flavor to your table.

So next time you’re at the local farmer’s market or grocery store, pick up some fresh peas and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you! Happy cooking!

Helpful Cooking Resources

How to Cook Using Your Instant Pot

Food Calories List

How Long Is Food Good For in the Fridge?