Black-Eyed Pea and Sausage Soup

This came from a food blog, Eating Well, Living Thin. (http://eatingwelllivingthin.wordpress.com/) Linda the author says: "Black-eyed peas are supposed to bring good luck and prosperity when eaten on New Years. This soup is easy, filling and just full of wonderful nutrients! Serve with thick-sliced tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and fresh basil and some crusty garlic toast for your family on one of these cold winter days. Will it bring you good luck? Sure…why not!!!!"

• Ready In: 1 hr
• Serves: 10

Ingredients

• 1  lb  bulk  smoked turkey sausage or 1  lb  Italian turkey sausage
• 2  teaspoons olive oil
• 1  large onion, chopped
• 2  carrots, shredded
• 2  celery ribs, diced
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  green bell pepper, diced
• 4  cups  frozen black-eyed peas (about 1 1/2 sixteen-ounce pkgs)
• 3 (14 ounce) cans beef broth
• 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
•  kosher salt
• 1⁄2 cup chipotle salsa (optional)

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, over medium-high heat, cook sausage in olive oil. Remove sausage from pan, leaving drippings.
2. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and green pepper. Saute over medium heat for 10 minutes or until tender.
3. Stir in sausage, peas, broth, tomatoes, oregano, basil, black pepper and salt to taste. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 30 minutes.
4. Stir in salsa, if desired.