Spicy Black-Eyed Peas are What’s for Dinner

If you’re a working mom you know that coming up with weeknight meals is tough.  You want to find something that your family will like, have it be healthy for them and easy for you to make–not an easy task.  This is why I’m always excited when I come across a recipe that meets these criteria.

A few weeks ago, my mother shared a really tasty recipe for black-eyed peas with me that I have to share with you.  Not only is it delicious and healthy, but it’s prepared using one of my favorite kitchen tools–my slow cooker.  I put all the ingredients in the cooker prior to leaving for work in the morning and when I come home the house is filled with the aroma of what we’re having for dinner–it’s wonderful!  The recipe my mother gave me was already healthy–black-eyed peas are a terrific source of fiber and Vitamin B1, but I made it even healthier by using turkey bacon and opting for low-sodium variety chicken broth.  I’ve even started thinking of ways to mix it up the next time I prepare this recipe in the future (I might substitute one of the cups of chicken broth with a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for some added “kick”).

I served this dish over brown rice and my entire family really enjoyed it–I hope yours does as well!

Slow Cooker Spicy Black-Eyed Peas

6 cups chicken broth
1 pound dried black-eyed peas, sorted and rinsed
1 large onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, stemmed, seeded and diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
8 ounces diced ham
4 slices bacon, chopped
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
salt to taste (I omitted the salt as the spices added enough flavor)
1 teaspoon black pepper

Add all ingredients to slow cooker and stir.  Cover and cook on low 6 – 8 hours until the beans are tender.  Serve over brown rice with green onions on top to garnish.

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