Prince's Dixie Lee Peas and Rice:
Slow-Simmered Southern Comfort

There is something deeply grounding about a pot of field peas simmering slowly on the stove. This recipe for Prince's Dixie Lee Peas and Rice honors traditional southern cooking methods while offering modern flexibility. Whether you prefer building your own savory broth from scratch using a rich ham hock and pure water, or opting for a streamlined shortcut with low-sodium chicken broth, the result is an intensely flavorful, comforting dish that brings warmth to any table.

Ingredients Breakdown

• Dixie Lee Dried Peas: 1 cup, soaked to prepare them for optimal texture and tenderness.
• Ham Hock: 1 whole smoked ham hock to anchor the pot with deep, savory goodness.
• Liquid Base (Choose One):
  • Option A (Scratch Broth): 4 to 6 cups of pure filtered water combined with the ham hock to build a traditional rich broth as it simmers.
  • Option B (Convenience Broth): 4 cups of Nature's Promise Low Sodium Chicken Broth for a balanced, controlled sodium flavor profile.
• The Holy Trinity (Aromatics): 1 medium yellow onion (diced), 1 green bell pepper (diced), and 2 stalks of celery (diced).
• Aromatics & Spices: 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 2 bay leaves, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon Celtic sea salt, a dash of cayenne pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
• Cooking Fat: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil.
• Serving Base: Royal Authentic Basmati Rice (prepared according to package instructions), selected for its refined profile and lower arsenic content.

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Soak the Peas: Begin by placing 1 cup of dried Dixie Lee peas into a bowl, covering them with filtered water, and letting them soak.
2. Prepare the Cooking Base: Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Introduce the 1 ham hock along with your preferred liquid base—either 4 to 6 cups of fresh water to build a scratch broth or 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth—and bring to a steady simmer.
3. Incorporate Aromatics: Toss in the diced onion, green bell pepper, and celery, followed closely by the 2 bay leaves and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
4. Season with Intention: Layer in 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of Celtic sea salt, a dash of cayenne, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
5. Simmer to Perfection: Drain the soaked Dixie Lee peas and fold them directly into the pot. Cover and let the mixture simmer on low until the peas achieve absolute tenderness and absorb the full spectrum of spices.
6. Plate and Serve: Spoon the savory Dixie Lee peas over a warm bed of prepared Basmati rice alongside your favorite vegetable sides and enjoy.

Culinary traditions survive because they teach us patience and attention to detail. Taking the time to select wholesome ingredients—from organic aromatics and clean grains to properly soaked field peas—transforms a simple weeknight side dish into a masterpiece of home cooking. Pair it with fresh greens and a balanced protein to round out your meal.