Field Pea and Ham Hock Stew

📍 Where this dish comes from: Clarksdale, Mississippi · The Crossroads (Highway 61 & 49)
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Field peas and ham hocks are a soul food pairing as old as the tradition itself. Field peas run higher in carbohydrates than most vegetables in this book, so this version uses a smaller portion alongside extra greens and ham hock to keep the dish satisfying while respecting a keto carb budget.

What You’ll Need

Field Pea and Ham Hock Stew

Smoky ham hocks simmered low with field peas and greens in a rich, savory pot liquor.

Print Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour 30 minutes minutes

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 310kcal

Ingredients

• 2 smoked ham hocks
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup fresh or frozen field peas
• 1 onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 bunch collard or turnip greens chopped
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions

• In a large pot, combine ham hocks, broth, onion, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, 45 minutes.
• Remove ham hocks, let cool slightly, then shred the meat and discard bones and skin.
• Return meat to the pot along with field peas and greens.
• Simmer, uncovered, 20–25 minutes, until peas and greens are tender.
• Stir in red pepper flakes, season with salt and pepper, and serve with the pot liquor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 310kcal | Protein: 24g | Fat: 18g | Fiber: 5g

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Health Benefits

• Field peas provide fiber and plant protein alongside the ham hock’s animal protein.
• Collard or turnip greens add volume and nutrients while keeping the overall carb count moderate.
• Best enjoyed as an occasional traditional dish rather than a daily staple, given the natural carb content of field peas.