A Soup to Build a Wish On

Smoked Turkey Soup with Collard Greens and Black Eyed Peas

 

My wish for you...

In this soup are my humblest and most sincerest wishes for you, all of my readers.

 

With the turkey, a symbol of Thanksgiving,  may thankfulness, gratitude and grace permeate your everyday life.

 

With the black eyed peas, eaten by many on New Years Day, may you prosper in all of your endeavors.

 

With the broth (or pot liquor) from the greens...for centuries it has been used for nourishment and fed to the ill to help nurse them back to health, may you be nourished and healthy and radiant.

 

With the carrots, known for aiding in sight, may you have clear vision for the roads that lie ahead.

 

With the sage, used for clearing away negative spirits, may it help you have a positive outlook on life and sweep away any negativity.

 

With the bay leaves, may you be victorious conquering life's challenges.

 

With the garlic, known for warding off vampires, may it help to keep evil at bay.

 

With the sugar, may you savor the sweet moments and temper the bitter ones

 

and

 

With the red pepper flakes, may you always have a little spice in your life.

1/2 lb Black eyed Peas, soaked overnight
1 Bunch Collard Greens, washed, stems removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
2-3 Carrots, peeled and sliced
2 Celery Ribs, chopped
1 Onion, Chopped
1 Large Clove of Garlic, minced
2 Bay Leaves (tied in cheesecloth for easy removal)
3 Sage Leaves
1 Large Smoked Turkey Leg
1 lb Sliced Turkey Tenderloin
1 Quart Turkey Stock
1 Quart Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1/2 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tsp Sugar
1 Healthy Pinch Red Pepper Flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
A Few Dashes Hot Sauce (to taste)

Prepare all of your vegetables, chopping and mincing.

In a large stockpot, lightly sauté the turkey tenderloin with a little salt and the 3 sage leaves in a teaspoon of olive oil. Cook just until the pink disappears. Set aside.

Slice the smoked turkey leg in half.
In the same pot, add the onion, turkey legs and garlic.
Let sauté for a couple minutes.
Add the stock, the broth and the vinegar and the sugar.

Add the celery and the carrots and bay leaves.
Add the greens.
Add the beans.
Add enough water to cover everything...3-4 cups.
Cover and let simmer for 30-45 minutes.

Tear or slice the turkey tenderloin into bite sized pieces.

Add the turkey tenderloin and let simmer for another 15 minutes.

While you are waiting for the white meat to cook through, remove the meat from turkey leg and return the turkey to the pot.

Check the beans for doneness. They should be soft and velvety.

Check the greens for doneness. I like mine with just a little bite left to them.

Taste the broth. Add salt, pepper, more sugar, hot sauce....season to your own liking!

Serve with warm wishes.

and happy thoughts.

 

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