Sides
Field Peas with Snaps and Country Ham
Fresh field peas and their tender snaps simmer with salty country ham for a rustic, deeply savory side straight from the summer garden.
Field peas with snaps means cooking the pods right along with the peas, and it's a technique that gets lost if you only ever buy peas already shelled. The pods soften into the pot and add a slightly earthy sweetness that plain peas alone don't have.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh field peas with tender snaps, rinsed
- 4 ounces country ham, diced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
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1
Render the hamIn a heavy pot, cook the diced country ham over medium heat until lightly browned and its fat has rendered, about 5 minutes.
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2
Add the onionStir in the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 4 minutes.
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3
Add peas and liquidAdd the field peas with snaps, water or broth, butter, red pepper flakes, and sugar, stirring to combine.
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4
Bring to a simmerBring the pot to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover partially.
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5
Cook until tenderSimmer gently for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the peas and snaps are fully tender and the broth has reduced and thickened slightly.
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6
Season and serveTaste the broth before adding salt, since country ham is already quite salty, then finish with black pepper and serve warm.
Okra & Oak Tip
Country ham varies widely in saltiness, so always taste the cooking liquid before adding any additional salt to the pot.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; the flavor actually improves after a day as the peas continue to absorb the smoky broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
It refers to field peas, like crowder or pink-eye purple hull peas, cooked together with their tender young pods still attached rather than fully shelled.
Yes, four slices of thick-cut bacon can stand in, though the flavor will be smokier and less intensely salty than authentic country ham.
Nutrition
Per serving. Values are estimates.
200
Calories
12g
Protein
26g
Carbs
6g
Fat
