Hopping John

Ingredients

• 12 lb dry black-eyed peas
• 4 slices thick bacon cut into 14-inch pieces
• 1 c chopped onion
• 12 c chopped green pepper
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 bay leaf
• generous dashes of red and black pepper
• 3 c cooked rice

Directions

1. Soak peas Rinse and drain Cook bacon until browned Add onion green pepper and garlic Saute onion until tender Add beans 2 cups water and seasonings Cover and simmer 40 to 50 minutes or until peas are tender Remove bay leaf and stir in rice Continue simmering 10 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed