BLACK EYED PEA SOUP

I do NOT like black eyed peas---BUT I LOVE this soup! You MUST use the peas that we cooked yesterday----NOT canned peas!

• 6 bacon strips, diced


• 1 1/2 green pepper, chopped


• 1 1/2 onion, chopped


• 3 garlic cloves, minced


• 3 cans diced tomatoes ( I used 1 can of rotel & 2 others of flavored diced)


• 1-2 cups of diced ham


• 1 1/2 c. water


• 2 t. salt (I did NOT use this since we put salt in the peas we cooked)


• 1 3/4 t. cumin (I did not measure--just guessed)


• 1 3/4 t. ground mustard


• 1 1/2 t chili powder


• 1 t. curry


• fresh ground pepper


• 1 t. sugar (optional)

In a large saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp; remove to paper towels. Drain, reserving 1 tablespoon drippings. In the drippings, saute the green pepper, onion and garlic until tender.
Add peas,ham, tomatoes, water and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer