[Gemme]

Originally Posted by June

Black Eyed Peas (Vegan)

I never soak my beans or peas. I wish someone would tell me why we're supposed to do this. Mine always turn out fine.

Anyway. This turned out more like a soup/stew.

• 1 Bag blackeyed peas
• 2 boxes low sodium Trader Joes Veggie Broth (I wish I could buy this by the case!)
• 1 large can of good roma tomatoes, whole and juice
• 1 large onion, carmelized
• 4 large carrots, sliced
• 1 yellow and 1 red pepper chopped rough
• 5 stalks celery, sliced, even the good inner green part
• Old Bay seasoning to taste
• Dried Parsley to taste
• Salt to taste
• 4 bay leaves, I have a tree in my yard, use fresh if you can get it, I think it makes a difference!

I started the peas in a large pot with the broth, tomatoes and about 1/2 can of water, then I carmelized my onion and added it and my seasonings and cooked it for a couple of hours at a simmer. I wasn't sure how long it would take the peas to cook, so when they were soft, I turned off the heat and sauteed my carrots, celery and peppers, then added some water to cover and cooked them till tender and added it to the soup.

I made mine non-vegan by adding some grated parmesean on top. I will serve it tomorrow with greens and some brown rice. If I am feeling like it, I might make some corn muffins.

I also made more of those damn chocolate toffee squares, I shall report back on the apple cake I am making in the morning. I haven't settled on a recipe yet.

Soaking them takes a lot of the starch and gas-producing stuff out of them, as well as allowing them to cook faster. Plus, if there are any icky beans, they float to the surface during soaking and can be picked out easily.

Good recipe, btw!