I had a couple requests to share recipes that are healthy, yet, somewhat easy to whip up after work. This soup is so flavorful and easy! Kale, by the way, is probably one of the world's healthiest foods. 1 cup of Kale has only 36 calories, but, has loads of fiber, vitamins C and Vitamin A. It also contains phytonutrients which may help prevent certain kinds of cancer like breast and ovarian. My daughter will even eat this soup, but, not because it is nutritious. She likes the fact that it has black-eyed peas in it which is also her FAVORITE band. Anyhow, here is the recipe:

Black-Eyed Pea, Kale, and Ham Soup

1T. olive oil

4 oz of smoked ham

1c. onion

1/2 c. celery

2 garlic cloves, minced

4c. chopped kale

14.5 oz diced tomatoes

2c. frozen black-eyed peas

3/4c. water

2- 14 oz can vegetable broth

2 T. tomato paste

1/4 t. ground pepper

1/8 t. cayenne pepper

Heat oil in dutch oven and saute onion, celery, garlic, and ham until vegetables are tender. Stir in kale and remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 1/2 hour or until peas are tender.

- Adapted from Cooking Light