CHILI PEPPERS, WHOLE

BLACK-EYED-PEA SOUP
Inspired By: Good Luck Soup from www.soupsong.com

Ingredients:

1 lb dried black eyed peas (no soaking)
8 cups chicken stock
1 ham hock
1/3 lb smoked ham, cubed
2medium yellow onions, chopped
1 green pepper, chopped
1 stalk celery, chopped
2cloves garlic, minced
3 PureSpice ® dried whole chili peppers
1 10-ounce package frozen cut okra , thawed
PureSpice ® salt to taste

1.In a large soup pot, combine the peas, stock, ham hock, ham cubes, onion, pepper, celery, garlic and chili peppers. Cover and bring to boil over high heat, stirring every now and then. Reduce heat to low, re-cover the pot, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring every now and then.
2.When peas are tender, stir in okra and salt, bring back to boil, then lower the heat and simmer for another 30 minutes, covered. The soup should thicken as you stir. Make sure your stirring frequently. Remove the cover and cook, stirring, until creamy thick…as much as 10 minutes.
3.If you are ready to serve, remove ham hock and chilis and ladle into bowls. If serving later, let cool in pot and refrigerate.