Black Eyed Peas

Image: 8 ounce ramekin filled with cooked black eyed peas

Description: This black-eyed peas recipe is easy to make and full of flavor, making the perfect holiday or New Years Eve side dish!

Yield: Recipe makes 3-4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas (fresh or canned black-eyed peas can be substituted)

• 6 cups Filtered water

• 6 ounces Ham, chopped

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

• 1 medium onion, small diced

• 6 garlic cloves, sliced

• 1 tablespoon vegetable or chicken bouillon

• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Hot pepper flake

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 4 bay leaves

• 2 ½ tablespoons Smoked Paprika

• 1 ½ teaspoons old bay seasoning

• 1 ½ teaspoons oregano

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 teaspoon chopped parsley, garnish

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

• Hot-pepper sauce, as desired

Directions:

If using dried black-eyed peas, put them in a large pot and cover with about 4 inches of water. Soak the peas overnight, then drain the water and rinse. Alternatively, you can "quick-soak" the peas by bringing them and the water to a boil for 2 minutes. Once boiling, cover the pot, turn off the heat, but leave the pot on the stove. The hot soak takes roughly an hour. After the soak completes, drain and rinse the peas.

In a large pot over medium low heat, add one tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ham and onions to the pot and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Then, add the garlic to the pot and cook for another 3-4 minutes to sweat the garlic.

Add the seasonings and cook another minute or so, stirring to coat the mixture with the seasonings. Add the filtered water, bouillon, bay leaves and beans.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 1 to 1 ½ hours or until the beans are tender. Check the pot periodically, and add additional water if needed.

When the beans are about done, turn off the heat and remove the bay leaves. Stir in the butter, vinegar, and parsley. At this point, I like to take a wooden or big flat serving spoon and mash some of the beans against the side of the pot. This will help to thicken the remaining broth a bit.

Serve topped with hot sauce and/or steamed rice, if desired.