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.
In a large saucepan, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon, crumble, and set aside to use as a topping for the peas.
Saute the onion in the bacon drippings until tender. Add the peas, diced tomatoes w/ green chiles, salt, chili powder, pepper and water.
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.