Hoppin' John

2 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic- minced
1 large onion- chopped
1 green bell pepper- chopped
2 large stalks of celery- chopped
4 cups of soaked black-eyed peas
5 cups of chicken broth
2 cups of diced ham
1 tbsp kosher salt (or to taste)
1 tbsp black pepper (or to taste)
1 tbsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
2 tbsp white or cider vinegar

Melt butter in a large pot. Saute garlic, onion, bell pepper and celery until soft, about 3 or 4 minutes. Add black-eyed peas, ham, broth, salt, pepper, cayenne, and vinegar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes while covered. Adjust seasoning and continue to cook for 15 minutes uncovered.

Serve as a hearty soup or over rice.

Serving Size: makes 10 3/4 cup servings

Number of Servings: 10

Recipe submitted by SparkPeople user DEMPSEYS7.