Black-Eyed-Pea Soup with Greens and Ham |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 0 Minutes |
Ready In: 0 Minutes Servings: 4 |
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There's nothing better than a pot of Southern-style slow-simmered greens, flavored with salty ham and a dose of vinegar. Our quick soup starts with the same ingredients, adds black-eyed peas and a shot of Tabasco, and cooks in no time. Add more Tabasco or vinegar to suit your taste. Ingredients:
2 tablespoons cooking oil |
6 scallions, white bulbs and green tops chopped and reserved separately |
2 cloves garlic, minced |
1/2 pound swiss chard or other greens, tough stems removed, leaves washed well and shredded (about 4 cups) |
2 10- ounces packages frozen black-eyed peas (about 4 cups) |
3 cups water |
3 cups canned low-sodium chicken broth or homemade stock |
1/2 teaspoon tabasco sauce |
1 3/4 teaspoons salt |
1 1/2- pounds piece ham, diced |
1/4 teaspoon fresh-ground black pepper |
2 teaspoons red- or white-wine vinegar |
Directions:
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over moderately low heat. Add the scallion bulbs and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.
2. Add the Swiss chard, black-eyed peas, water, broth, Tabasco, and salt to the pot. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until the black-eyed peas are tender, about 20 minutes.
3. Stir the ham into the soup and cook until the ham is warmed through, about 2 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the pepper, vinegar, and scallion tops.
4. Variations: Instead of the Swiss chard, use your own favorite greens. Collard, mustard, kale, or beet greens would each lend its unique flavor to the soup.
5. Wine Recommendation: This soup has more than enough oomph to partner a rich California Syrah. Spicy blackberry and green-olive flavors, a strong earthy streak, and solid structure are its hallmarks, and all of these will go well here.
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