Wilted Winter Greens & Black-Eyed Peas

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/wilted_winter_greens_black_eyed_peas.html

From EatingWell:  November/December 1994

For this sauté, soft, smooth black-eyed peas make a mellow match for the assertive flavors of dark leafy greens. Country ham or Italian prosciutto makes a nice change from the salt pork or ham hocks that greens are traditionally cooked with.

10 servings | Active Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours (plus overnight soaking)

Ingredients

• 8 ounces dried black-eyed peas, (1 1/3 cups)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 pounds greens, such as collards, kale and/or escarole, trimmed, washed and sliced crosswise into 1/4-inch-wide strips
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 2 ounces country ham (see Note) or prosciutto, diced (about 1/2 cup)
• 2 tablespoons red-wine vinegar, or to taste
• Freshly ground pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Soak peas overnight in cold water. (Alternatively, place peas in a large saucepan, cover with water and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat and let stand for 1 hour.) Drain the peas, rinse well and place in a large saucepan. Add water to cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 45 minutes. Add salt. Let sit, covered, for 1/2 hour, then drain and rinse.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Add ham (or prosciutto) and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Add the greens and cook, stirring constantly, until wilted, 5 to 10 minutes, adding more water if necessary. Add the reserved black-eyed peas and heat through.
3. Season with vinegar, salt and pepper and serve.

Nutrition

Per serving : 124 Calories; 3 g Fat; 0 g Sat; 1 g Mono; 4 mg Cholesterol; 18 g Carbohydrates; 9 g Protein; 7 g Fiber; 232 mg Sodium; 358 mg Potassium

.5 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 1/2 vegetable, 1/2 fat

Tips & Notes

• Make Ahead Tip: Prepare through Step 2; cover and refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

• Note: Dry, salt-cured and aged between 90 and 180 days, country ham is potent, salty and delicious; a little goes a long way. You can find it online at country-ham.com and at countryham.org.