Black Eyed Peas with Bacon and Caramelized Onions

Ingredients

Bacon

6 slices, chopped

Onions

2 medium, diced

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Black-eyed peas

1 pound, dried or 2 cans, drained and rinsed

Chicken broth

4 cups

Bay leaf

1

Salt

to taste

Black pepper

to taste

Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the bacon and set aside, leaving the rendered grease in the pot.
2. Add the diced onions to the pot and cook until they are caramelized, stirring occasionally, about 10-12 minutes. You want them to be golden brown and sweet.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. If using dried black-eyed peas, rinse and add them to the pot along with the chicken broth, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil. If using canned peas, add them after the broth comes to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 45 minutes (or 15 minutes if using canned peas), or until the peas are tender.
6. Stir in the cooked bacon, adjusting seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.