Spicy Black-Eyed Peas

This is a simple but yummy side dish. I got it from Paula's Home Cooking "Southern Traditions" show. If you omit the bacon you can make this a vegetarian dish and serve it with rice.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 4  slices bacon (optional)
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 1 (16 ounce) package dried black-eyed peas, washed
• 1 (12 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1  teaspoon chili powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 3  cups water

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon, crumble, and set aside to use as a topping for the peas.
2. Saute the onion in the bacon drippings until tender. Add the peas, diced tomatoes w/ green chiles, salt, chili powder, pepper and water.
3. Cover and cook over medium heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the peas are tender. Watch your peas closely and add additional water, if necessary. Serve garnished with crumbled bacon.