Ingredients
Directions 9 steps | 110 Minutes
On a stovetop, pour about six cups of water over the peas and let set overnight. (See notes 2-3.)
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Drain the peas and pour them into a pot.
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Thaw the spinach in the microwave. Ball spoonfuls in your fist to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
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In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the squeezed spinach, sliced mushrooms, diced celery and onions. Cook until softened.
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Transfer the mixture to the pot. Add the chopped cooked bacon, ham and diced tomatoes to the pot.
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Add the beef or vegetable broth.
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Add the chives, black pepper and sea salt.
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Bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 1½ hours until the peas are soft. Stir occasionally and add small amounts of broth if needed, to keep the peas moist and bubbling.
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Serve and enjoy!
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Notes:
- To make a vegetarian version of black-eyed peas, use vegetable broth. Omit the bacon and ham but substitute two tablespoons of liquid smoke or hickory seasoning.
- Instead of soaking the peas overnight, you can:
- Bring 6 cups water to a boil. Turn off the stove.
- Pour in the peas and let soak for 1 hour.
- Drain the water. Return the peas to the pot.
- To cook in a crockpot,
- Do not soak the peas. Thaw the spinach in the microwave. Ball spoonfuls in your fist to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
- In a sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the squeezed spinach, sliced mushrooms, diced celery and onions. Cook until softened.
- Transfer the mixture to the pot.
- Add the chopped bacon, ham, diced tomatoes, beef (or vegetable) broth, chives and black pepper.
- Cook on high for 7 hours, stirring occasionally and adding small amounts of broth if needed, to keep the peas moist and bubbling. Add the salt about 30 minutes before the end of the cooking process.
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