Ask AI: I made Hoppin John with some store-bought peas but the juice was fabulous but the peas were dry tasting

It sounds like your Hoppin' John had great flavors, but the peas didn't turn out as expected. Dry peas can be the result of undercooking or using peas that are too old. Here are a few suggestions to improve the texture of the peas for your next batch: 1. Soak the peas: Before cooking, soak the peas in water for at least 4 hours or, even better, overnight. This will help them soften and cook evenly, which will result in a better texture. 2. Adjust the cooking time: If your peas were dry, they might not have cooked long enough. Cook the peas at a low simmer for a longer time (checking for tenderness occasionally) to help them soften and become more flavorful. 3. Use fresh peas: If you're using store-bought peas, make sure they're fresh or from a recent production batch. Older peas can take longer to cook and might not soften as well. 4. Slow cooker or pressure cooker: Using a slow cooker can help ensure the peas are cooked evenly and achieve a tender texture. Alternatively, if you have a pressure cooker, you can save time and cook the peas faster while still achieving a creamy texture. 5. Add a pinch of baking soda: Adding a pinch of baking soda to the water while cooking the peas can help soften them. Be careful not to add too much, as it can affect the flavor. 6. Check the liquid level: Make sure the peas are sufficiently submerged in the liquid while cooking. Add more water or broth if necessary to prevent them from drying out. By following these tips, you should be able to achieve a more desirable texture for the peas in your Hoppin' John. Enjoy your next batch!