Mixed Greens with Smoked Ham, Black-Eyed Peas, and Roasted-Red-Pepper Dressing

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 
• 1 clove garlic smashed
• 0.3 teaspoon fresh-ground pepper black
• 1.3 pounds ham smoked black such as forest, halved lengthwise and cut crosswise into thin strips
• 4 quarts salad greens mixed
• 0.3 cup olive oil 
• 1  bell pepper red
• 0.5 teaspoon salt 

Equipment

• bowl
• blender
• grill
• tongs

Directions

1. Roast the pepper over a gas flame or grill or broil it, turning with tongs until charred all over, about 10 minutes. When the pepper is cool enough to handle, pull off the skin.
2. Remove the stem, seeds, and ribs.
3. Cut the pepper into pieces.
4. In a blender, combine the roasted pepper, the garlic, vinegar, oil, salt, and black pepper. Puree until smooth.
5. In a large bowl, combine the greens with the ham and black-eyed peas.
6. Serve the salad with the dressing spooned over the top.
7. Variation:: If you'd rather use frozen black-eyed peas, cook them according to the package directions, drain, and let cool before adding them to the salad. Or you could substitute black beans or kidney beans.
8. Wine Recommendation: This salad needs a crisp and frankly fruity red to contrast its smoky flavors. Beaujolais, easy to find and easier to drink, is a perfect choice.