New Year’s Day Black-Eyed Pea Soup

Well as we all know, the new year is just around the corner. Here is a meal to help you bring in the luck!

You’ll Need

• 2 cups black-eyed peas, dried
• 2 quart of water, more if needed
• 1 ham bone with “trimmings”
• 3 onions, medium, chopped
• 2 Bay Leaves
• 1 ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper

Directions

• Wash the beans well in cold water several times, then place in a large, heavy stew pot and cover with water.
• Allow to soak overnight.
• The next morning (start early – beans like to take their time), pour off the soaking water, and ham bone, 8 cups of water, onion and seasonings.
• Put on the back of the stove and let simmer gently until beans are very tender, usually about 4 hours.
• Add more water if needed.
• Remove and discard ham bone.
• If the water looks a bit scant pour in 1-2 cups more.
• When beans are good and tender remove about a cupful of the beans and mash well with some of the bean liquid. (This can be done in a blender)
• Return mashed beans to pot, taste for seasoning, and serve steaming hot over freshly cooked white rice.