Cooking Perfectly Tender Purple Hull Peas

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen purple hull peas
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth (or chicken broth for non-vegetarian)
• 1 ham hock or smoked turkey leg (optional for added flavor)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)