Off to a good start!

by Kat | Jan 1, 2011 | General

100_0117, originally uploaded by As Kat Knits.

Happy New Year, Gentle Reader!

I hope that 2011 eased in gently and that you are all feeling no ill effects from your festivities!

I had a quiet evening and was in bed long before the ball dropped. Such a wild life I lead here at Casa del KatKnits.

For years, I have wanted to make a “traditional” New Year’s Day meal, but that plan has never come to fruition, until this year.

It was worth the wait, and it will not be long before I make this again! It is hearty and delicious!

Black- eyed Peas with Ham

• 1 – 1 lb package of dried Black-eyed peas
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• About 2 C ham, cut up
• 1/2 large sweet onion, diced
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Approximately 1 tsp red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
• 1 small can of tomato paste

You can soak the peas overnight in cold water, or you can put them in a pot, cover them with about 6-8 C water, bring to a boil and continue boiling for 2 minutes. Then remove from the heat, cover, and let them sit for an hour. With either preparation, drain the water, and rinse the peas well.

In the same pot – heat the olive oil. When hot, add the onions and sauté until they begin to turn translucent. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the ham and the peas. Add the Chicken broth, tomato paste, and enough water to cover completely. Stir to incorporate the tomato paste into the mixture.

Let simmer of low heat 2 and a half to 3 hours, until the peas are tender.

I served mine with wilted Swiss chard on top.

Mmm, mmm, good!

It might just be the perfect comfort food for New Years Day – especially since a bit of comfort was in order due to the trouncing, the U of M got at the Gator Bowl!