Southern Style Field Peas are a great comfort food, full of flavor and very satisfying.

2 cups field peas shelled

2 cups chicken broth

1 tbsp. Olive oil

1 ham hock or smoked turkey leg (optional)

Dash of hot sauce

1/2 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Rinse the field peas in a colander and pick out any debris. Place the onion and oil in a large pot and cook until tender.  Next add the garlic, hot sauce, salt, and pepper to the mixture and cook an additional 30 sections.  

Now add the chicken broth, field peas and ham hock.  Bring this to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the field peas are tender. Remove the ham hock (if using) and discard the bone. Mash some of the field peas with a fork to thicken the dish. Serve hot.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, you can brown the ham hock in a skillet before adding it to the pot.
• If you don’t have a ham hock or smoked turkey leg, you can add a few tablespoons of bacon grease or olive oil to the pot instead.
• You can also add other vegetables to the pot, such as carrots, celery, or potatoes.
• Field peas can be cooked in a slow cooker. Simply add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the field peas are tender.