Butter Beans or Crowder Peas

gluten free
Nothing so good as butter beans or crowder peas fresh-shelled in the summer.  Mama and Daddy used to go to the Farmer's Market in Mobile and get bushels of these to put up in the freezer.  I remember sitting under the China Berry tree in the front yard shelling those beans and peas, until I could sneak away!  This recipe will work with either fresh peas or beans.     

Ingredients
3 cups fresh or frozen Crowder peas or butter beans
1/2 cup fresh or frozen okra, sliced
1/2 cup chopped ham
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
Steps
Picture
  1. Boil water in pot.  Place beans or peas in water. 
  2. Cook 10 - 15 minutes, then put in sliced or whole okra. 
  3. Season with ham.  Cook until tender, about 40 minutes for fresh vegetables and 20 for frozen. 
  4. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.