SOUPS WITH BLACK EYED PEAS RECIPES

Steps:

• Rinse peas. Drain and place in Crock Pot.
• Pour in chicken broth. Add water to bring the liquid just to the top of the peas.
• Bury the ham bone down into the peas. (If you don't have a bone I use chunks of ham and it works just as well.)
• Add the chopped onion, bay leaves, can of Rotel tomatoes, and garlic powder.
• Cover and set Crock Pot to low for 8 hrs.
• At that time, remove bone. Remove any meat from the bone. Cut into bite-sized pieces (you want about two cups total).
• Add ham to the Crock Pot. Recover and continue to cook for 2 more hours.
• Remove bay leaves. Serve with cornbread and enjoy!
• Note: If you do not use a ham bone and have only chunks of ham then just cook on low for 10 hrs and increase the amount of ham to about 3 cups. I use a 6 qt Crock Pot and it is full when all ingredients are added. If you are having trouble with room in the pot you can adjust the liquid to less.

Steps:

• Soak black-eyed peas in cool water for at least 6 hours. Rinse before using.
• Heat butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, garlic, green pepper, and celery and stir. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in soaked beans, then add chicken broth, ham hock, salt & pepper, and cayenne to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover the pot for 30 minutes. 
• After 30 minutes, check the liquid level; if it's too soupy, cook with the lid off for another 15 minutes or so. If it's too thick, splash in a little more broth. Stir in vinegar, then taste for seasonings. Add more spice if needed.
• Serve over white or brown rice, making sure to get plenty of the cooking liquid spooned over the top. Or, you may mix the bean mixture with the rice before serving. 
• Variations: Add red bell pepper, canned diced tomatoes, diced jalapenos, diced ham (instead of ham hocks), or sliced bacon (instead of ham hocks). Stir in torn-up kale when 5 minutes of cooking time remain. You can also use canned, drained black-eyed peas if preferred. Just use diced ham instead of ham hock and a little less broth, as peas won't need to cook as long.