Southern conch peas are a staple in many Southern households, often served as a side dish alongside comforting classics like fried chicken and collard greens. These hearty legumes have a unique flavor and texture that sets them apart from other types of peas. In this article, we will explore a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe for southern conch peas that will have you wanting more with every bite. So, let's gather our ingredients and get cooking!
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Onion, Green Bell Pepper, Peas, Water, Garlic
One of the best accompaniments to beer can chicken is a serving of Southern-style crowder peas. These small, round beans have a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky and savory taste of the chicken. To make this dish, simply cook the peas in chicken broth with some salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce for added flavor. Serve them as a side dish or mix them in with some rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Conch Salad, Man!
Main Ingredients: Conch, Fresh Orange Juice, Fresh Lime Juice, Fresh
If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a taste of the Bahamas to your beer can chicken feast with a side of conch salad. This refreshing and zesty dish is made with tender chunks of conch meat, cilantro, lime juice, and diced tomatoes and onions. The conch meat is typically marinated in lime juice before being mixed with the other ingredients, giving it a tangy and citrusy flavor. Serve it as a side dish or top your chicken with a scoop for a burst of tropical flavor.
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Goldie's Conch Salad
Main Ingredients: Green Bell Pepper, White Onion, Tomatoes, Green Tomato
If you want to take your conch salad to the next level, try making Goldie's Conch Salad. This recipe, named after a famous conch shack in the Bahamas, adds a few extra ingredients to create a more complex and flavorful dish. In addition to the traditional ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and lime juice, this recipe also includes avocado, cucumber, and mango for a unique and delicious twist on the classic conch salad.
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Conch Chowder
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Shallots, Carrots, Flour, Vegetable Stock
If you're in the mood for something warm and comforting, try making a batch of conch chowder to serve alongside your beer can chicken. This hearty soup is filled with chunks of conch meat, potatoes, carrots, and celery, all simmered together in a rich and flavorful broth. Some recipes also call for corn and coconut milk to add even more depth to the soup's flavor. Serve it with some crusty bread for a filling and satisfying meal.
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The Best Southern Hoppin' John
Main Ingredients: Rice, Peas, Bacon Fat, Tomato, Green Onions, Shredded
No beer can chicken meal is complete without a serving of Hoppin' John on the side. This classic Southern dish is made with black-eyed peas, bacon, and rice, and is said to bring good luck to those who eat it on New Year's Day. While the traditional recipe calls for dried peas, you can also use canned peas for a quicker and easier version. Don't forget to add a splash of hot sauce for some added heat.
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Conch Fritters
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Powder, Egg
If you're looking for a tasty and unique appetizer to serve before your beer can chicken dinner, try making some conch fritters. These crispy and flavorful fritters are made with a batter of flour, cornmeal, conch meat, and spices, and are typically served with a dipping sauce such as tartar sauce or hot sauce. You can also add chopped bell peppers and onions to the batter for a bit of extra texture and flavor.
In addition to Hoppin' John, black-eyed peas are a staple in Southern cuisine and make a delicious side dish to serve with your beer can chicken. These peas are small and creamy, with a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with the smokiness of the chicken. To make them, simply cook the peas in chicken broth with some bacon, onion, and garlic for added flavor.
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Seafood Cheesecake
Main Ingredients: Cream Cheese, Mascarpone Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Eggs
If you're feeling adventurous and want to try something truly unique, serve a seafood cheesecake alongside your beer can chicken. This savory and creamy dish combines the classic elements of a cheesecake, such as cream cheese, eggs, and herbs, with chunks of crab, shrimp, and conch meat. It may sound strange, but the end result is a delicious and indulgent dish that is sure to impress your guests.
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Bahamian-Inspired Conch Fritters
Main Ingredients: Conch, Water, Salt, Salt Water, Green Pepper, Diced
For a taste of the Bahamas, try making some Bahamian-inspired conch fritters to serve with your beer can chicken. These fritters are similar to traditional conch fritters, but with a few added ingredients to give them a unique and flavorful twist. In addition to the usual batter ingredients, this recipe also includes grated ginger, chopped scallions, and a splash of rum. Serve them with a side of spicy mayo for dipping.
White acre peas, also known as lady peas, are another delicious and versatile side dish that pairs well with beer can chicken. These small, light-colored peas have a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that is perfect for complementing the smoky and savory flavors of the chicken. To make them, simply cook the peas in chicken broth with some onion, garlic, and a dash of hot sauce for a bit of extra heat.
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Southern White Acre Pea Succotash
Main Ingredients: Corn On The Cob, Cherry Tomatoes, Peas, Cooking Liquid
If you want to add some extra veggies to your beer can chicken dinner, try making a batch of Southern white acre pea succotash. This colorful and flavorful dish combines white acre peas, corn, and bell peppers with a bit of bacon for added smokiness. You can also add some chopped tomatoes and herbs for even more flavor and texture.
Pink lady peas are another type of small, creamy pea that is popular in Southern cooking. These peas have a delicate and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the bold flavors of beer can chicken. To make them, simply cook the peas in chicken broth with some garlic, onion, and a pinch of thyme. You can also add a bit of bacon or ham for some added depth of flavor.
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Southern Field Peas and Okra
Main Ingredients: Peas, Bacon Drippings, Salt, Pepper, Okra Pods
For a truly Southern side dish, try serving some field peas and okra alongside your beer can chicken. This dish combines two classic Southern ingredients, field peas and okra, with some bacon, onion, and garlic for a rich and flavorful side dish. The okra adds a nice texture and the peas bring a bit of sweetness to the dish.
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Island-Style Conch Fritters
Main Ingredients: Conch, Scotch Bonnet, Spanish Onion, Celery, Green Bell
If you want to add a tropical twist to your beer can chicken dinner, serve some island-style conch fritters as a side dish. These fritters are similar to traditional conch fritters, but with the addition of some pineapple, coconut, and spices for a Caribbean-inspired flavor. Serve them with a side of sweet and spicy dipping sauce for a delicious and unique appetizer.
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Southern Fresh White Acre Peas
Main Ingredients: Peas, Water, Smoked Ham Hock, Salt Pork, Minced Onion
If you're lucky enough to have access to fresh white acre peas, be sure to take advantage of them and serve them alongside your beer can chicken. These peas have a slightly different flavor and texture than their canned counterparts, and are best when simply cooked in chicken broth with some onion, garlic, and a bit of bacon or ham for added flavor.
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Conch Creole
Main Ingredients: Conch, Garlic Cloves, Thyme, Tomatoes, Scallions
For a spicy and flavorful side dish, try making some conch Creole to serve with your beer can chicken. This dish is similar to traditional Creole dishes, but with the addition of conch meat and other seafood, such as shrimp and crab. It also typically includes bell peppers, onions, and celery for added flavor and texture. Serve it over some rice for a filling and satisfying meal.
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Belgian Beer Conch Chowder
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Shallots, Carrots, Flour, Vegetable Stock
If you want to add a bit of international flair to your beer can chicken dinner, try making a batch of Belgian beer conch chowder. This creamy and flavorful soup is made with Belgian beer, conch meat, potatoes, and herbs for a unique and delicious twist on traditional chowders. Serve it with some crusty bread for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Steam Conch
Main Ingredients: Conch, Large Shrimp, Seasoning, Fresh Thyme, Small
If you're short on time and want a quick and easy side dish to serve with your beer can chicken, try steaming some conch. This simple cooking method helps to retain the natural flavors and textures of the conch meat. Simply place the conch meat in a steamer basket and steam for a few minutes until it is cooked through. Serve it with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of herbs for a light and refreshing side dish.
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The Bahamas ❀ Cracked ‘Conch’ with Rice and Peas
Main Ingredients: Eggs, Evaporated Milk, Salt, Ground Black Pepper
For a taste of the Bahamas, try serving cracked conch with rice and peas alongside your beer can chicken. This dish is made with conch meat, bread crumbs, and spices, and is typically served with a side of rice and peas, which is made with coconut milk and spices. The end result is a flavorful and satisfying meal with a touch of tropical flair.
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Bún Riêu Instant Pot (Vietnamese Pork & Crab Noodle...
Main Ingredients: Broth, Bun, Rock Sugar, Tomatoes, Shallot, Fried Tofu
If you want to add some Asian flavors to your beer can chicken dinner, try making some Bún Riêu in your Instant Pot. This Vietnamese dish is made with pork, crab, and noodles, all cooked together in a flavorful broth. The Instant Pot helps to infuse the ingredients with flavor and also cuts down on cooking time. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course for a unique and delicious meal.
The Ingredients You'll Need
To make this flavorful dish, you'll need the following ingredients:
Southern Conch Peas
Conch peas are the star of this recipe, providing a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. These peas are also known as cowpeas, and can easily be found in many grocery stores or online.
Smoked Ham Hock
The smoky and savory flavor of a ham hock is essential in creating a rich and hearty broth for the conch peas to cook in. You can find smoked ham hocks at your local butcher or in the meat section of your grocery store.
Onion, Celery, and Bell Pepper
These three vegetables are the base of many Southern dishes, also known as the "holy trinity". They add depth and flavor to the dish, and can easily be found in any grocery store.
Garlic and Thyme
These two herbs provide a fragrant and earthy flavor to the dish, making it even more delicious and comforting. Fresh is best, but you can also use dried herbs if that's all you have on hand.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth
The broth will serve as the cooking liquid for the conch peas, so make sure to use a good quality one for the best results. You can also use water, but the broth adds an extra layer of flavor.
Salt and Pepper
These two seasonings are essential in bringing out the flavors of the dish. Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
The Recipe
Now that we have all the ingredients, it's time to get cooking! Follow these simple steps to make a delicious batch of southern conch peas:
Step 1: Prep the Peas
Start by rinsing and sorting through the conch peas, removing any debris or damaged peas. Then, soak the peas in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. This will help them cook faster and evenly.
Step 2: Cook the Ham Hock
In a large pot, add the smoked ham hock and cover with water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour or until the meat is tender. Remove the ham hock from the pot and set it aside to cool.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, add the onion, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until they start to soften, then add in the garlic and thyme. Cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Peas and Broth
Drain the soaked conch peas and add them to the pot with the vegetables. Pour in the broth and add the smoked ham hock back in. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about an hour or until the peas are tender.
Step 5: Season and Serve
Once the peas are cooked, remove the ham hock and shred the meat. Add it back into the pot and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot as a side dish or over rice as a main meal.
Now that you have mastered the art of making southern conch peas, it's time to enjoy this delicious and comforting dish. Make sure to save any leftovers – if there are any – as they tend to taste even better the next day. Happy cooking!
