NEW YEAR'S DAY BLACK-EYED PEA SOUP
2 cups dried black-eyed peas 2 quarts water (for soaking, more if needed) 1 ham bone with "trimmings" 8 cups water 3 medium onions, chopped 2 bay leaves 1 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp pepper hot cooked white rice (to serve)
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. Add 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, of course.) Return mashed beans to pot, taste for seasoning, and serve steaming hot over freshly cooked white rice.
Servings: 8 Source: unknown |