Peas and Greens

Recipe by: Judith Finlayson | from Canadian Diabetes Slow Cooker Recipes

Cookstr

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Total Time: Half Day

Skill Level: Easy

Cost: Inexpensive

Photo by: Colin Erricson

This delicious combination of black-eyed peas and greens, which is a Greek tradition, is a great dish for busy weeknights. It also makes a wonderful side dish for roasted meat, particularly lamb.

Yield: Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1 (15 ml) tbsp olive oil
2 onions, finely chopped
1 bulb fennel, cored, leafy stems discarded, bulb sliced on the vertical
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ tsp (2 ml) salt
½ tsp (2 ml) cracked black peppercorns
¼ tsp (1 ml) fennel seeds, toasted and ground
1 can (14 oz/398 ml) diced tomatoes, including juice
2 cups (500 ml) cooked dried or canned black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed (see Variation)
2 tbsp (25 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp (5 ml) paprika (see Tips)
4 cups (1 l) trimmed chopped spinach or Swiss chard (about 1 bunch)

Directions

1. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat for 30 seconds. Add onions and fennel and cook, stirring, until fennel is softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, salt, peppercorns and toasted fennel and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add tomatoes with juice and bring to a boil. Transfer to slow cooker stoneware.

2. Add peas and stir well. Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or on High for 4 hours, until peas are tender. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and paprika, stirring, until paprika dissolves. Add to slow cooker stoneware and stir well. Add spinach, stirring, until submerged. Cover and cook on High for 20 minutes, until spinach is tender.

Make Ahead

This dish can be partially prepared before it is cooked. Complete Step 1. Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, continue with the recipe.

Notes

Works in slow cookers from 3½ to 6 quarts

To toast fennel seeds: Place seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat and cook, stirring, until fragrant and they just begin to brown, about 3 minutes. Immediately transfer to a mortar or a spice grinder and grind. (Or place the seeds on a cutting board and use the bottom of a wine bottle or measuring cup.)

Use any kind of paprika in this recipe. Hot paprika will add the zest heat seekers prefer. Smoked paprika will enhance the flavor with a pleasant smokiness.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Nutrients per serving (% daily value)

Calories 621kcal (31%)

Calcium 136mg (14%)

Vitamin C 36mg (60%)

Vitamin A 134mcg RAE (4%)

Potassium 1004mg

Magnesium 97mg

Protein 9g

Sugar 5g

Fiber 10g

Total Carbohydrate 36g