Bean Soup with Black Eyes (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 pound black eyed peas.
02 -
4 strips bacon.
03 -
1 onion, chopped.
04 -
1 large carrot, cut into small cubes.
05 -
14 ounces smoked ring sausage, cut into rounds.
06 -
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped.
07 -
3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
08 -
1/2 teaspoon salt.
09 -
1/2 teaspoon pepper.
10 -
2 cans (15.9 oz each) diced tomatoes.
11 -
4 cups chicken broth.
12 -
2 cups torn kale, tough stems taken out.
13 -
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (optional).
# Instructions:
01 -
Check beans for stones and rinse well. You can soak them overnight or do a quick soak by boiling for 10 minutes, then letting them rest covered for an hour.
02 -
Drain soaked beans, add fresh water and simmer for 45-60 minutes until they're barely soft.
03 -
Cook bacon till it's crunchy. Take it out but save the fat.
04 -
Toss onions, carrots and sausage in the bacon fat until veggies get soft and sausage gets some color.
05 -
Throw in garlic and cook for another half minute or so.
06 -
Pour in some water and loosen all the tasty brown bits stuck to the bottom.
07 -
Put beans, tomatoes, spices, veggies and sausage in a big pot. Pour broth over everything and let it bubble gently for about an hour.
08 -
Break up the bacon and add it with the kale. Stir until the kale gets soft.
# Notes:
01 -
You can use spinach if you don't have kale.
02 -
Makes a warm, filling meal when it's chilly outside.
03 -
Many folks eat this on New Year's Day for good luck.