How to Cook Lady Peas, the Queen of all Summer Peas
These highly sought after Southern peas are a rare find at farmers markets.
Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele
Meet the lady pea, the ultra-luscious Southern legume that needs to be on your plate this summer. Prized for their delectably creamy texture and sweet taste, these beloved beans have developed a loyal following from chefs to home cooks. However, with a short growing season and exclusive availability in Southern states, lady peas can be notoriously hard to find.
How far are you willing to go to secure these elusive summer jewels? If you can find fresh lady peas, don’t let them go to waste. Whether you prefer them slow-simmered with aromatics and mixed into fresh summer veggie salads or hearty sautéed greens, or simply by themselves, our lady pea primer shows you how to make the most of this versatile Southern superstar.
Related:How to Cook Black-Eyed Peas
What Are Lady Peas?
Lady peas belong to the cowpea family, and are similar to black eyed peas. Like all peas, lady peas originate from a pod. Native to the southern United States, Africa, and parts of Asia, lady peas (as well as all cowpeas) thrive in hot and dry climates.
The distinguishing factor is size and taste — lady peas are smaller and sweeter than other cowpeas. Lady peas go by a number of names, including lady cream peas, lady cowpeas, conch peas, and zipper cream peas.
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Where to Find Lady Peas
You’re unlikely to find fresh lady peas if you live anywhere above the Mason Dixon Line. If that applies to you, pack your suitcase and take a vacation down South. They’ll most likely pop up at local farmers markets in June and July across North and South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
While lady peas may be sold in their pods, they're often pre-shelled and bagged for your convenience. If you can’t find fresh lady peas, dried are a suitable substitute. Order them through Amazon.
How to Cook Lady Peas
Fresh lady peas are delicate due to their small size, so handle them with care when cooking. While there are many ways to prepare lady peas, we suggest keeping it simple to let their sweet flavor sing.
Sauté onions and thyme in a large stockpot, add the peas and chicken stock, and then let it simmer together until tender. Cook time for fresh lady peas is about 30 to 35 minutes. If using dried lady peas, check the package for instructions and cook time.
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Substitute lady peas in recipes calling for black-eyed peas and field peas. Spark your inspiration with these top summer pea recipes:
