Black-Eyed Pea Soup (updated)

This is one of my personal favorite comfort foods. It's so delicious with a big slice of hot cornbread & butter.

I soak the beans overnight Nourishing Traditions -style (covered in water and 1-2 Tbs. whey for boosted nutrition), then drain and add to the crock-pot.

1 lb. Dried black-eyed peas

½ lb. Smoked ham, cubed

4 carrots, sliced

3 stalks of celery, sliced

crushed red pepper flakes, to taste

2 small bay leaves

2 Tbs. bacon bits

½ tsp. thyme

¼ tsp. black pepper

8 cups hot water

Add above ingredients to crock-pot and cook on LOW for 8 hours. 
Then saute in some olive oil:

1 med. Onion, diced
1 head of collard greens, chopped (optional)

Add to crock-pot and continue cooking for another hour on low. 
Just before serving, add:

1 tsp. salt

⅓ cup minced fresh parsley

*Serve with cornbread.