Spicy Black Eyed Peas

Spicy Black Eyed Peas

3 cups fresh black eyed peas
2 tbsp. canola oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
4 strips of bacon (cut into 2 inch pieces)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
6 cups of water (may substitute 1/2 with chicken stock)
2 bay leaves

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.  Once hot, throw in the garlic for  few seconds until it starts to brown.  Next add the bacon and onion and stir frequently.  Cook for 6-8 minutes until the onions start to get soft and turn brown.  Add the salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper and continue to cook until the spices blend into the mixture, ~2 minutes.  Pour in the water and/or chicken stock and add the bay leaves.  Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat in order to simmer.  Add the black eyed peas and cook for approximately one hour.