Slow Simmered Kale with Caramelized Onions and Black-Eyed Peas

Stovetop Directions

1. In a large heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil to medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized.
2. Add Yassa sauce. Pour 1 cup of the water into the empty jar and shake (with lid tightly screwed on) to loosen any sauce clinging to it; add to pan along with remaining water. Add black-eyed peas, smoked paprika, salt, sugar and okra (if using); stir to combine.
3. Bring to a boil; add half the kale. Keep stirring until kale is completely wilted. Repeat with remaining kale and immediately reduce to a simmer.
4. Simmer covered for about 1½ – 2 hours (stirring halfway) until beans are soft and tender, and not mushy.
5. Stir in lime juice.
6. Ladle into bowls and enjoy with cornbread or serve over cooked jasmine rice with lime wedges and kaani sauce tableside.

The only meat alternative we recommend with this recipe is smoked turkey – the flavors marry together in the most magical way. Makes a hearty main meal served over rice.

Instant Pot Version

1. Place 2 lbs. smoked turkey legs (or any part you desire) into a large heatproof bowl – pour boiling water into the bowl to just cover the meat. Allow meat to sit in the hot liquid for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove to a plate with tongs and discard the liquid.
2. Set the instant pot to high sauté. Add oil. When unit displays hot, add onions and cook until caramelized, about 4–5 minutes. Switch off unit.
3. Add jar of Yassa sauce. Pour 1 cup of water into the empty jar and shake (with lid tightly screwed on) to loosen any sauce clinging to it; pour into pot. Add an additional 1½ cups water to the pot. Add turkey meat, salt, sugar, smoked paprika and okra (if using).
4. Put the lid on and close. Select the high manual setting, set timer for 30 minutes and press start. When the cook time ends, do a quick release.
5. Remove the lid, add the black-eyed peas first – stirring to combine with the liquid, then add okra (if using), followed by the kale – pushing them down if the leaves stick out of the pot.
6. Put the lid back on and close. Select the high manual setting, set timer for 22 minutes and press start. When the cook time ends, do a quick release.
7. Take the meat out, chop into chunks and return to the pot. Add lime juice and stir to combine.
8. Ladle into bowls and enjoy with cornbread or serve over cooked jasmine rice with lime wedges and kaani sauce tableside.

Stove Top Version

1. Place 2 lbs. smoked turkey legs (or any part you desire) into a large heatproof bowl – pour boiling water into the bowl to just cover the meat. Allow meat to sit in the hot liquid for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove to a plate with tongs and discard the liquid. .
2. In a large heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil to medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized.
3. Add jar of Yassa sauce. Pour 1 cup water into the empty jar and shake (with lid tightly screwed on) to loosen any sauce clinging to it; pour into pan. Add an additional 1½ cups to the pan.
4. Bring to a boil; add half the kale. Keep stirring until kale is completely wilted. Repeat with remaining kale.
5. Add the black-eyed peas first – stirring to combine with the liquid, then add the turkey, salt, sugar, smoked paprika, and okra (if using). Reduce heat to a simmer.
6. Simmer covered for about 1½ – 2 hours (stirring halfway) until beans are soft and tender, and not mushy.
7. When cooking is complete, take the meat out, chop into chunks and return back to the pot. Stir in lime juice and mix to combine.
8. Ladle into bowls and enjoy with cornbread or serve over cooked jasmine rice with lime wedges and kaani sauce tableside.

Slow Cooker Version

1. Place 2 lbs. smoked turkey legs (or any part you desire) into a large heatproof bowl – pour boiling water into the bowl to just cover the meat. Allow meat to sit in the hot liquid for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove to a plate with tongs and discard the liquid.
2. In a large heavy-bottomed pan, heat oil to medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until caramelized.
3. After caramelizing the onions on the stovetop; transfer them to the slow cooker.
4. 4. Add jar of Yassa sauce. Pour 1cup of the water into the empty jar and shake (with lid tightly screwed on) to loosen any sauce clinging to it; pour into cooker. Add an additional 1½ cups water to the cooker.
5. Add the black-eyed peas first – stirring to combine with the liquid, then add turkey, salt, sugar, smoked paprika, okra (if using), followed by the kale – pushing them down on them if the leaves stick out of the pot.
6. Cover with lid, cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8 hours until beans are soft and tender, and not mushy.
7. When cooking is complete, take the meat out, chop into chunks and return back to cooker. Stir in lime juice and mix to combine.
8. Ladle into bowls and enjoy with cornbread or serve over cooked jasmine rice with lime wedges and kaani sauce tableside.