Crowder peas are one of the tastiest and most widely consumed types of fresh peas in the United States.
They’re similar to sugar snap peas and snow pea pods, but they’re a lot more expensive than other two varieties and were traditionally reserved for high-end restaurants and gourmet meals.
Crowder peas have taken off in popularity due to their high nutritional value and affordability, along with the fact that they cook faster than other pea varieties.
For example, a cup of crowder peas will only take about seven minutes to cook!
Most crowder pea recipes call for either butter or olive oil, but you can also use other cooking oils like canola or sunflower seed oil.
When baking crowder pea dishes, you should use a non-stick pan so it will be easier to clean up afterwards.
What is the traditional method for cooking crowder peas?
If you’ve made crowder pea dishes before, you probably already know the traditional method for cooking them.
They’re a simple and healthy base recipe to start with, but they’re also easily adaptable so you can add your own favorite spices and flavorings.
For this recipe, the basic principle is that you begin by boiling the peas in water (for about 5 minutes), then drain them and sauté them with butter or olive oil for about two minutes before serving.
If you want to make a richer meal, simply add some cream at the end of cooking time and serve it with a side of toast or crackers.
What ingredients are needed for a crowder pea dish?
The main ingredient of crowder peas is, of course, the pea pods.
Crowder peas are more popular in Europe and Middle-Eastern countries, while they’re less common in the United States.
There are two main types of crowder peas: young and old.
Young crowder peas are the most tender pods, while old crowder peas tend to be tougher.
For a more detailed list of ingredients, check out the rest of our crowder pea recipes.
What are some of the different ways to season crowder peas?
Although you can use butter or olive oil in crowder pea recipes, you can also use other seasonings to give them richer and more complex flavors.
These seasonings include things like garlic, herbs, spices and chocolate.
Do be careful not to over-season the dish, though!
You don’t want the peas to taste too salty.
In addition to seasonings, you can also add in other ingredients that are used in modern cooking and cuisine.
Things like bacon, mushrooms, kale and black beans are great additions when making crowder pea dishes.
What type of cuisine is typically associated with crowder peas?
Crowder peas are normally used in soups, stir-fries, stews, casseroles and salads.
In some cases, you can use them as a replacement for butter or oils.
For example, you can replace the butter with olive oil for a healthier version of baked crowder pea fritters.
What is the best way to store cooked crowder peas?
Crowder peas can last for up to five or six days whenever they’re stored properly.
You should never keep them in the refrigerator because it can negatively affect their nutritional value and flavor.
Crowsder peas can be stored safely at room temperature in a paper bag or an airtight container.
However, to maximize the amount of time that crowder peas last after you’ve cooked them, make sure you refrigerate them immediately when you’re done with them.
What are some health benefits of eating crowder peas?
Crowder peas are a good source of fiber, with about 16 grams per cup.
They’re also loaded with several vitamins and minerals, such as thiamin, copper, folate and phosphorus.
Crowder peas are also rich in both folate and thiamin, which are important for the development of red blood cells and the prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Folate is an important nutrient for pregnant women because it helps their bodies develop healthy babies.
Additionally, eating crowder peas will also promote weight loss since they contain only 95 calories per cup and they’re very low in saturated fat.
The low caloric content of crowder peas makes them an ideal food for those looking to lose or maintain their weight.
People who have chronic illnesses or are at risk for cardiovascular disease can benefit from the rich supply of antioxidants that are found in crowder peas.
These antioxidants help prevent heart disease by reducing inflammation, lowering blood pressure and preventing lipid oxidation in the body.
Are there any special tips to keep in mind when preparing crowder peas?
Aside from storing them in the refrigerator, there aren’t any special tidbits of information that you need to keep in mind.
All you really need is a little bit of water, some seasoning and patience.
How long does it take to cook crowder peas?
Crowder peas are one of the quickest vegetables to cook — they can be done in just five minutes!
To help you get a clearer picture of how long it takes to cook crowder peas, we’ve created a crowder pea cooking time infographic.
The average boiling time for crowder peas is 8 minutes, but depending on your stove and burner settings, this can vary quite a bit.
For optimum results when cooking crowder peas, make sure that the pot or pan is completely covered with water, or you may struggle to keep the pot sealed after you put in your pea pods.
Are there any variations of crowder pea recipes?
There’s not a lot of variation when it comes to crowder pea recipes.
Crowder peas are extremely versatile, as they can be used in salads, snacks, soups, main courses and more.
For example, they’re often used in Indian cuisine.
They have a flavor similar to edamame in this recipe and they’re great in these kheer desserts.
Some other great uses for crowder peas are in the following dishes:
What other dishes pair well with crowder peas?
Crowder peas are excellent in soups, stews, casseroles, and salads.
They can also be used as a garnish on other dishes or as part of an appetizer platter.
They work well when paired with red meat and poultry, as well as vegetarian dishes.
Crowsder pea recipes that pair well with crowder peas include:
- Curry chicken stew (curry meat, chicken broth or coconut milk, onions, potatoes, carrots and corn)
- Fish tacos (fish fillets, sour cream, cheese, salsa and crab)
- Crab cakes (shrimp, crabmeat and mayonnaise)
- Quiche (eggs and cheese)
Equipment
- 1 Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 1 Ib Crowder Pea dried
- 3-4 smoked pork neckbones
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 clove garlic, chopped fine
- 1 tsp oregano, dried
- 1 tsp thyme, dried
- 2 bay leaves, dried
- seasoning salt
- onion powder
- black pepper
- 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- To the crock pot, add black eyed peas, neck bones, minced onion, garlic, and herbs. Black pepper, onion powder, and salt for seasoning are used sparingly.
- Turn the crock pot on high and simmer for 8 to 10 hours with the pot nearly full.
- Discard the bones after removing the flesh from the neck bones.
- After removing the flesh from the neck bones, discard the bones.
- Serve with rices
Video
Nutrition
My blog is all about creating delicious meals with ingredients that are easy to find in your local grocery store. I’m passionate about making yummy meals that I can share with my friends and family.