Field peas are a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal. These legumes are packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. But what to serve with field peas to make a balanced and satisfying meal? Field peas are a Southern staple, and they pair perfectly with a wide variety of side dishes.
Whether you want to stick to traditional sides or try something new, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from. In this blog post, we’ll explore some mouthwatering and easy side dish ideas that you can serve with field peas.
From salads and slaws to grains and bread, there’s something here for every taste and preference. So let’s dive in!
In short - What to Serve with Field Peas Collard Greens, Cornbread, Roasted Vegetables, Grilled Chicken, Coleslaw, Cucumber Tomato Salad, Grilled Corn, Rice, Fried Green Tomatoes, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Roasted Okra, Potato Salad, Creamed Spinach, Biscuits & Sausage Gravy, Potato Gratin, Baked Beans
What are field peas? What do field peas taste like?
Field peas are a type of legume that is part of the Fabaceae family. They can come in many different varieties, such as purple hull, black-eyed, crowder, and more. Field peas are high in fiber and protein, making them a great option for adding to any meal.
When cooked properly, field peas have a delicate yet flavorful taste reminiscent of sweet snow peas or green beans. The texture is also similar to snow peas or green beans but with a slightly firmer bite.
They often have hints of nuttiness to their flavor that adds complexity when added to dishes like soups or salads. Field peas also pair nicely with garlic, onions, carrots, and other vegetables to create hearty stews and stir-fries.
30 Amazing sides to serve with field peas
1. Collard Greens
Collard greens are a classic Southern side dish, the perfect accompaniment to field peas. These leafy greens have a slightly bitter taste that pairs well with the sweetness of the peas. You can sauté them with garlic and olive oil or stew them with ham hocks or bacon for a dish that’s full of flavor.
The tender complements the earthy flavor of the peas, while a splash of vinegar adds a tangy kick.
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the ham hock usually used for flavoring.
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2. Cornbread
Cornbread is a classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with field peas. Its crispy texture and slightly sweet flavor complement the earthy taste of the peas. Depending on your preference, you can serve cornbread in different forms, from muffins to slices.
Add a little heat to your cornbread by mixing in some diced jalapenos. The result is a spicy, slightly sweet bread that’s perfect for sopping up the juices from your field peas.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Another great option for a side dish is a plate of roasted vegetables. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a delicious caramelized flavor.
Try roasting some sweet potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts to serve alongside your field peas.
4. Grilled Chicken
For a heartier meal, add some grilled chicken to your plate of field peas. Season the chicken with some herbs and spices, and grill until it’s tender and juicy.
The protein from the chicken will balance out the carbohydrates from the peas, resulting in a well-rounded meal.
5. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a refreshing and light side dish that pairs well with the earthy flavor of field peas. The crunchy texture of the cabbage and carrots adds a satisfying contrast to the softness of the peas. For a healthier version, use a vinegar-based dressing instead of mayonnaise.
6. Cucumber Tomato Salad
A refreshing cucumber tomato salad is an excellent side dish to balance the heartiness of field peas. The crispness of cucumber and tangy tomatoes complement the earthy flavor of the peas. You can add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, and drizzle the salad with a simple lemon and olive oil dressing.
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7. Grilled Corn
Grilled corn is an easy and delicious side dish that provides a smoky flavor and charred kernels to the meal. The sweetness of the corn blends well with the earthiness of the peas, making for an unforgettable combination.
You can also sprinkle some chili or smoked paprika to complement the smoky taste of the corn.
8. Rice
Rice is a versatile side dish that goes well with almost anything, including field peas. You can cook rice with chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to give it an extra layer of flavor. You can also mix rice with some spices, such as cumin or turmeric, to add some depth to the dish.
9. Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are an ideal side dish for field peas, especially when served with a dollop of creamy coleslaw. The crisp and slightly tart flavor of the tomatoes pairs well with the sweetness of the peas, making for a unique and delicious combination.
10. Smoked Bacon Collard Greens
Collard greens cooked with smoked bacon provide a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with field peas. This Southern favorite is sure to please any palate!
11. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Field peas and grilled corn on the cob make for a delicious summertime meal filled with plenty of flavor and texture. Grilling brings out the natural sweetness in both ingredients while adding a hint of smokiness.
12. Stone-Ground Grits
Soft, creamy stone-ground grits provide an ideal accompaniment to field peas, thanks to their earthy flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of this classic Southern dish.
13. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes baked until they’re tender and lightly browned are an excellent side dish for field peas thanks to their natural sweetness that blends well with the seasoning used in most recipes for this legume staple.
14. Roasted Okra
Roasted okra is not only incredibly tasty but also provides lots of added texture when paired with field peas. The roasting process brings out its natural sweetness, resulting in a delicious side dish that you’ll keep coming back for more!
15. Buttermilk Cornbread
Buttermilk cornbread makes for an ideal accompaniment to field peas thanks to its subtle sweetness, which complements the legume’s naturally sweet flavor profile nicely. Plus it’s incredibly easy to make!
16. Hoppin John
A traditional Southern dish made up of black-eyed peas and rice, Hoppin john is perfect alongside field peas thanks to its similar flavors and textures that pair together so well – plus, it’s easy to make too!
17. Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Comfort food at its finest, macaroni and cheese pairs perfectly with field peas as each bite offers layers of creamy goodness as well as crispness from the veggies in your meal or even additional toppings like bacon bits or crushed Ritz crackers!
18. Potato Salad
With its creamy texture, tangy dressing, crunchy vegetables and sometimes even eggs or bacon bits added in, potato salad makes for an ideal side dish alongside field peas since it adds a bit of variety without veering too far away from traditional Southern flavors!
19. Squash Casserole
Comfort food made healthier thanks to squash as its main ingredient? Yes, please! This casserole combines all your favorite flavors into one delicious side dish, which goes great alongside your beloved bowlful of field peas – no matter if it’s summertime or wintertime.
20. Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach offers tons of richness along with plenty of vitamins and minerals when paired up with some tasty (and nutritious!) Field Peas – perfect pairing, indeed!
21. Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Mashed potatoes topped off with thick gravy provide plenty of comfort food bliss when served alongside some hearty Field Peas – the perfect combination!
22. Fried Okra & Tomatoes
A classic combo made even better when served alongside some Field Peas, this southern staple has been around forever but still manages to remain just as flavorful today as ever before!
23. Biscuits & Sausage Gravy
Fluffy biscuits smothered in sausage gravy provide a delectable accompaniment for some savory cooked Field Peas- pure southern comfort at its best!.
24. Fried Green Tomatoes
Tart, crispy and oh-so-satisfying; fried green tomatoes make a great pairing when served with some Field Peas – classic comfort food fare that will never go out of style!.
25. Cornbread Stuffing
A scrumptious side dish that takes minutes to prepare but still tastes like it was made from scratch. Cornbread stuffing pairs perfectly with Field Peas for an unforgettable meal!
26. Potato Gratin
A creamy potato gratin provides an indulgent accompaniment to any plate of Field Peas. Its richness adds a unique texture and flavor that you won’t soon forget!
27. Corn Maque Choux
Corn maque choux combines sweetness and spiciness in equal measure – perfect for adding zing to your field pea dishes!
28. Baked Beans
Baked beans make a great match for field peas – perfect for potlucks or family gatherings alike due to their smoky-sweet flavor
29. Barbecued Beans
Tangy, smoky and delicious barbecued beans are one side dish that stands out when served alongside Field Peas – a match made in heaven!
30. Spicy Black Bean Dip
Rich and creamy black bean dip is wonderfully versatile – it can be a side or a delicious appetizer. And when paired with field peas, it makes for one unbeatable combination!
What are the best flavors to go with field peas?
Field peas are quite versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. They work well with smoky flavors such as bacon, ham, smoked sausage or even smoked paprika.
Herbs like oregano, basil and thyme also pair nicely with field peas. For added flavor, try adding diced onions or garlic when cooking the peas.
Additionally, spices such as cumin, coriander, chili powder, and curry powder will add warmth to your dish.
Finally, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end really brightens up the flavor of the cooked field peas! Enjoy experimenting with different flavors to find your favorite combination!
How do you jazz up field peas?
Field peas are a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many different ways. To really jazz up your field peas, try one of the following methods:
1. Add some spice. Field peas go great with spices like cayenne pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even curry powder! Just add a sprinkle to your pot of boiling field peas to give it an extra kick of flavor.
2. Sauté them in butter or olive oil before adding them to other dishes. This helps bring out the earthy flavors of the field peas while also making them tender and juicy. Try adding aromatics like onion and garlic for extra flavor!
3. Make a flavorful broth to cook the field peas in. Use ingredients like vegetable broth, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and other herbs of your choice. This will give the field peas a nice savory flavor that pairs well with many dishes.
4. Add some crunch! Toasted nuts or seeds like almonds, walnuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, etc., are delicious when added to cooked field peas for a bit of texture and flavor contrast.
5. Finally, try roasting your field peas in the oven! Spread them on a baking sheet and toss with oil and salt before baking at 375F for about 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy around the edges. These roasted field peas make an amazing snack or side dish!
How do you display field peas on a platter?
To display field peas on a platter, arrange them in an attractive pattern. Begin by laying down the sturdiest pods first. Tuck smaller pods around them to create a visually pleasing design.
Once all of the pods are arranged, sprinkle over any herbs or dressings that you would like to garnish them with. Finish off the presentation by adding any edible flowers or vegetables as accents. Enjoy your tasty and beautiful field pea platter!
10 best field peas recipe deep south dish
1. Southern Peas and Rice
Southern Peas and Rice is a classic Southern combination of field peas, rice and bacon, is a favorite comfort food in the South. This recipe uses Crowder peas, so it’s low in fat but still full of flavor.
2. Hoppin’ John
Hoppin’ John is a traditional New Year’s dish made with black-eyed peas or cowpeas and usually served with rice. Add some diced peppers for an extra kick!
3. Lady Pea Salad
Lady Pea Salad is a creamy salad featuring field peas mixed with bell peppers, onions, celery, and dill pickles making for an interesting twist on traditional coleslaw.
4. Black-Eyed Pea Hummus
Make your own hummus using black-eyed peas with the classic hummus ingredients of garlic, lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil.
5. Southern Style Green Beans and Field Peas
For a hearty side dish, combine green beans and field peas with bacon or ham hock for extra flavor.
6. Southwestern Veggie Chili
Make chili even healthier with the addition of black-eyed peas, sweet potato and corn for a Tex-Mex twist on traditional chili recipes.
7. Stewed Field Peas
Hearty stewed field peas are cooked in a flavorful broth and make an excellent main dish full of protein and fiber.
8. Pea Salad Sandwiches
Use leftover pea salad to make delicious sandwiches! Top with fresh lettuce for a light and tasty meal.
9. Field Pea Pesto
Make your own version of pesto using black-eyed peas instead of traditional basil for a unique flavor.
10. Fried Field Peas
Enjoy the classic Southern favorite, fried field peas! Crispy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside, these delicious snacks are an excellent way to enjoy this versatile legume.
Wrap Up on What to Eat with Field Peas
Field peas are a delicious and versatile ingredient that can be paired with a wide range of side dishes. From classic dishes like collard greens and cornbread to light salads and grains, there’s no shortage of options.
By experimenting with different combinations, you can create a meal that’s not only mouthwatering but also satisfying. So, go ahead and try these side dish ideas with your next bowl of field peas, and enjoy a Southern feast like never before!
FAQs
How many field peas per person?
The amount of field peas you should consume per person depends on your dietary needs. Generally, a single serving of field peas is considered to be 1/2 cup (125mL) cooked. This will provide roughly 100 calories and 6 grams of protein, as well as other important nutrients like fiber, iron, phosphorus and zinc.
Eating this amount on a regular basis can help to meet your daily nutrient requirements while also providing an excellent source of plant-based protein. For those looking to increase their consumption of field peas, eating up to 2 cups cooked per day is recommended.
Additionally, incorporating other legumes into your diet, such as lentils or beans, can further boost the nutritional value of your meals!
What sides go well with purple hull peas?
Purple hull peas are a great side dish in and of themselves, but they also pair nicely with other sides such as cornbread, mashed potatoes, collard greens, green beans, fried okra, macaroni and cheese, or hush puppies.
Adding some roasted or grilled vegetables to the mix can also help create a balanced meal. For a complete meal, you may want to add in some grilled chicken or fish for a protein-rich option.
However you choose to serve them up, purple hull peas make a delicious addition to any dinner table!
What is the difference between field peas and green peas?
The main difference between field peas and green peas is the type of peas. Field peas, also known as cowpeas, are a variety of legume that belongs to the bean family. Green peas, on the other hand, are the traditional garden pea that most people think about when talking about peas.
Field peas have an earthier flavor compared to green peas and tend to be more starchy in texture when cooked. They also contain less sugar than green peas and require longer cooking times than fresh or frozen green or sugar snap varieties.
Field peas come in a variety of colors, including black-eyed, cream-colored, and purple. They are often dried and require long cooking times to become tender before being eaten. Green peas are much sweeter than field peas and need minimal cooking time before eating. They are also available in a range of colors, such as green and yellow.
Both field peas and green peas can be used in a variety of recipes, such as soups, salads, casseroles and stews. While field peas may require long cooking times due to their firmer texture, they are nutritious and provide an excellent source of plant-based protein.
Green peas have a sweet flavor that makes them ideal for adding to dishes like curries or stir-fries. They can also be used as part of side dishes like risotto or mashed potatoes. Both types of peas offer a range of health benefits, so it’s worth including both field peas and green peas in your diet for maximum nutrition!
Field peas can be used in a variety of recipes, from stews to salads. They can also be boiled or mashed into purees or hummus. As well as providing flavor, they are packed full of nutrients, high in fiber and protein, and contain minerals like iron and calcium. Green peas, on the other hand, work great when added to stir-fries or sautéed as a side dish.
They can also be boiled and mashed into purees or used in soups and salads. Green peas are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, manganese, folate, and thiamin.
