Southern Peas
Southern Peas is a comforting dish featuring tender peas, seasoned with onion, pimento, and a hint of rice, perfect for a savory side that complements Southern cuisine.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook chopped onion in butter slowly for 5 minutes.
- Add the canned peas, liquid from peas, cooked rice, pimento, salt, and pepper.
- Heat the mixture until thoroughly warmed.
- Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic with the onion or incorporating a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you don't have pimento, roasted red peppers can be a great alternative. To make this dish vegetarian, ensure your butter is plant-based. Experiment with spices like cayenne pepper for a bit of heat or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for richness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Southern Peas hot as a delightful side dish alongside fried chicken or grilled fish. They pair wonderfully with cornbread or a fresh garden salad. For a comforting meal, consider serving them over a bed of mashed potatoes or alongside Devan Cream for a creamy touch.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Southern Peas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture, and warm them gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent overcooking the peas.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Southern Peas contains roughly 398 calories, with 8g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% of the Daily Value), protein (15% of the Daily Value), and iron (13% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2381mg per serving (104% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen peas instead of canned?
Yes, frozen peas can be substituted for canned peas. Simply cook them in boiling water for a few minutes until tender, then drain and add them to your dish. This will give you a fresher taste and slightly firmer texture.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste to ensure it doesn't overpower the dish.
Is there a vegan version of this recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative. You can also enhance the flavor with a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).