Field peas are a delightful part of Southern cuisine, and pairing them with the right sides can create a truly memorable meal. Classic cornbread with its crispy crust and tender crumb adds a perfect contrast. Creamed corn offers a comforting, creamy touch, while slow-cooked collard greens lend a nutritious and savory boost. Fried okra introduces a delightful crunch, and a vibrant tomato salad brings a invigorating burst of flavor. Other great choices include coleslaw, stewed tomatoes, Southern green beans, and rice pilaf. Whether you're planning a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, these sides will make your meal special. Discover more about perfect pairings next!
Cornbread
Cornbread is a quintessential component of Southern cuisine. It provides a delightful contrast to the rich, earthy flavors of field peas. Often made with cornmeal, flour, eggs, and buttermilk, cornbread achieves a moist, slightly sweet taste. Its crispy crust and tender crumb add a satisfying texture.
Variations like jalapeños, cheese, or bacon can enhance the flavor, making it a versatile side dish.
Collard Greens
Collard greens, a quintessential Southern side dish, offer a nutritious complement to field peas with their rich vitamins and minerals.
Slow-cooked with bacon grease, these dark leafy greens become tender and flavorful.
Seasoned with salt, pepper, and sometimes a splash of vinegar or hot sauce, collard greens enhance the savory taste of fresh field peas, creating a well-rounded, hearty meal.
Fried Okra
Fried okra, a staple of Southern cuisine, is made by coating sliced okra in cornmeal and frying it to a perfect crisp.
This delightful side dish complements the creamy texture of field peas, offering a harmonious blend of flavors.
Rich in fiber and low in calories, fried okra is not only delicious but also a nutritious addition to any meal.
Creamed Corn
Creamed corn is a beloved staple of Southern cuisine. It delivers a rich and comforting flavor that perfectly complements the earthy taste of field peas. Made with fresh corn kernels cooked in a creamy sauce, this dish features ingredients like butter, milk, and seasonings.
Its creamy texture and touch of sweetness enhance the firm texture and savory notes of field peas, creating a satisfying meal.
Tomato Salad
Tomato salad, with its crisp tomatoes, onions, and herbs, offers an invigorating and nutrient-rich side dish that pairs well with the hearty flavors of field peas.
The vibrant colors and rejuvenating taste of tomato salad provide a delightful contrast to the earthy tones of field peas.
Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, it enhances the overall nutritional value of your meal.
Mashed Potatoes
After the invigorating zest of tomato salad, mashed potatoes offer a creamy and satisfying complement to the hearty flavor of field peas.
The buttery and smooth consistency of mashed potatoes enhances the texture of shelled field peas, providing a comforting and rich element to your meal.
Seasoned or topped with gravy, mashed potatoes elevate the dining experience, making each bite delightful.
Hush Puppies
Hush puppies, a beloved Southern side dish, are crafted from cornmeal batter and deep-fried to achieve a golden, crispy perfection. These savory treats pair wonderfully with field peas, adding a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.
Lightly salted, they often contain onions or jalapeños for extra zest. Serve hush puppies alongside your peas for a satisfying and classic Southern meal.
Cucumber Salad
Cucumber salad, with its rejuvenating and light qualities, serves as an ideal complement to the hearty nature of field peas. Made from thinly sliced cucumbers, onions, and a tangy dressing, this salad adds a crisp texture and invigorating taste.
Low in calories but high in vitamins K and C and antioxidants, cucumber salad balances the richness of field peas beautifully, enhancing the overall meal.
Pickled Beets
Pickled beets, with their tangy and slightly sweet flavor, offer a delightful contrast to the earthiness of field peas.
The vibrant red color and unique taste of pickled beets, made by pickling in vinegar, sugar, and spices, create a visually appealing and nutritious side dish.
This pairing complements seasoning meat perfectly, adding both color and complexity to your meal.
Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese, a quintessential comfort food, serves as an ideal accompaniment to field peas, enhancing the meal with its rich, creamy texture and savory flavor.
This Southern favorite pairs perfectly with the tender consistency of fresh peas or shell peas.
The cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese complements the hearty taste of field peas, creating a satisfying and flavorful culinary experience.
Biscuits
Complementing the comforting richness of macaroni and cheese, biscuits serve as another classic Southern side dish that pairs perfectly with field peas.
These flaky, buttery bread rolls are ideal when served with field peas and snaps cooked with salt pork.
Made from simple ingredients like flour, butter, and buttermilk, biscuits offer a warm, inviting touch to any meal, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Coleslaw
Bringing an invigorating contrast to hearty field peas, coleslaw offers a crunchy texture and tangy dressing that enhance the overall dining experience.
Made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy dressing, coleslaw's acidity balances the richness of field peas.
Customizable with apples, raisins, or nuts, it adds extra sweetness or crunch.
Easy to prepare, coleslaw can be made ahead for convenience.
Stewed Tomatoes
Stewed tomatoes, a staple in Southern cuisine, offer a tangy and savory complement to the creamy texture of field peas. Made by simmering fresh tomatoes with onion, garlic, and herbs, this dish is rich in antioxidants like lycopene and vitamins A and C.
You can customize stewed tomatoes with bell peppers or bacon for added flavor, enhancing any meal with field peas.
Southern Green Beans
Southern green beans, often slow-cooked with bacon or ham hock, provide a savory and nutrient-rich side dish that pairs seamlessly with field peas. Cooked with onions, garlic, and seasonings until tender, these green beans are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Their hearty flavor makes them a favorite at potlucks and family gatherings, perfectly complementing the taste of field peas.
Can the Same Side Dishes Be Served with Both Field Peas and Creamed Peas and Potatoes?
Yes, the best side dishes for creamed peas and potatoes can also be served with field peas. Classic options like cornbread, collard greens, or roasted sweet potatoes complement both dishes well. These sides provide a flavorful and diverse accompaniment to the peas, enhancing the overall meal experience.
Rice Pilaf
Rice pilaf is a fragrant and flavorful dish created by cooking rice with broth, onions, herbs, and spices. Toasting the rice in olive oil before simmering enhances its taste, making it a perfect companion for purple hull peas.
This versatile side dish can include nuts or dried fruits, adding a delightful texture and flavor that complements the earthy notes of the peas beautifully.