Sapelo Red Pea Patties with Sea Island Marinated Shrimp and Coastal Georgia Remoulade
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While South Carolinians have their heirloom Sea Island Peas, their only Georgia counterparts are a culinary treasure in this state, brought here from Africa by enslaved ancestors of the Hog Hammock community on Sapelo Island and now grown commercially to support the community. Mashed and fried into patties, and packed with chopped Vidalia onions grown right up the interstate, they are the perfect earthy vehicle for a coastal appetizer of huge marinated Georgia white shrimp and a tangy-spicy remoulade.
Directions
Sapelo Red Pea Patties
- Combine peas with 4 cups of well-salted water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, lower to a simmer and cook until peas are completely tender, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Transfer peas with a slotted spoon to a mixing bowl and mash well. Add egg and spices and mix until combined, then add flour, cooking liquid and onions. Mix well.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Use two spoons to drop about two tablespoons of the mixture into the pan, then flatten into a patty about 3 inches in diameter.
- Cook patties undisturbed until crisp and golden on the bottom, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Continue in batches until all the mixture is used. Makes about 12 patties.
To serve:
Spoon about 1 tablespoon of remoulade onto each pea patty. Top with 2-3 pieces of marinated shrimp.
Georgia Remoulade
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. Season with salt & pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Sea Island Marinated Shrimp
Combine all ingredients in a container with lid. Refrigerate 2 hours or up to overnight.