1 c. dry black-eyed peas
Water
1/2 c. diced lean cooked ham (or Canadian style bacon)
1 chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped green bell pepper
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt, coarsely black pepper, to taste
2 bay leaves
Generous dash red cayenne pepper (or Tabasco sauce)
3 c. cooked rice

Wash black-eyed peas. Add 5 cups of boiling water; boil for 3 minutes. Cover and set aside 1 to 4 hours. Rinse and drain peas thoroughly. Spray pan with cooking spray. Brown diced ham. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic. Sauté until the onion is tender. Add peas, 2 cups water and seasonings. Cover and simmer for 40 to 50 minutes or until beans are tender. Remove bay leaves; stir in rice. Continue simmering about 10 minutes or until all liquid is absorbed.