Black-Eyed Peas

Ingredients

• 1 lb raw black-eyed peas
• ½ lb smoked sausage, cubed
• ½ lb ham, cubed
• 1-1½ lb ham hocks or riblets
• 2 tbs oil
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
• 2 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tsp creole seasoning
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbs parsley
• 10-12 C water

Directions

1. Heat oil in black iron pot or a large Dutch oven.
2. Sauté the sausage and ham until well browned. Remove and set aside.
3. Add the onions, celery, bell pepper, garlic and jalapenos and sauté until limp.
4. Add the peas, seasonings, ham hocks, and water and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Adjust the seasonings to taste, add the browned sausage and ham and simmer another 30-45 minutes or until the beans are soft and the sauce is creamy.
7. Serve over rice as a main course or as a side dish with ham or chicken. You may leave out the jalapeno peppers for a less spicy version of this dish.