To a large crockpot, add all the ingredients except the salt. Stir to combine.
1 pound dried black-eyed peas, 7 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 14 ounces diced tomatoes, 1 cup fully-cooked diced smoked sausage, 1 onion, 1 rib celery, 1 jalapeño pepper, 4 cloves garlic, 1 bay leaf, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper