Black-Eyed Pea Gumbo

Ingredients and Weight:

• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, picked over and rinsed
• 1 ham bone (1-2 pounds)
• 2 quarts water
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups chopped cooked okra

Preparation Time:

2 hours

Cooking Time:

3 hours

Difficulty Level:

3 (Intermediate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the black-eyed peas, ham bone, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 hours.
2. While the peas are cooking, prepare the vegetables: chop the onion, bell peppers, celery, and carrots.
3. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and cook until softened, about 10 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
5. Slowly whisk in the vegetable broth from the peas. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
6. Add the vegetable mixture, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pea pot. Stir well.
7. Bring the gumbo to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
8. Stir in the cooked okra and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 250 per serving
• Fat: 5 grams per serving
• Protein: 15 grams per serving
• Carbohydrates: 40 grams per serving

Dish Characteristics:

• Thick and flavorful
• Rich in protein and fiber
• Perfect for a hearty meal

User Comments:

• "This gumbo is absolutely delicious! The flavors are well-balanced and the texture is perfect."
• "I love the addition of black-eyed peas. It gives the gumbo a unique and delicious twist."
• "This is the best gumbo I've ever had. It's so flavorful and satisfying."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Be sure to pick over the black-eyed peas before cooking to remove any stones or grit.
• If you don't have a ham bone, you can substitute a smoked ham hock.
• You can adjust the spiciness of the gumbo by adding more or less cayenne pepper.
• Serve the gumbo with cooked rice or crusty bread.