BLACK-EYED PEAS WITH BACON

Black-Eyed Peas with Bacon image

A real Southern favorite, black-eyed peas are traditionally served on New Year's Day to bring good luck. The bacon and thyme in my mom's recipe make them extra special. -Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 pound dried black-eyed peas
1/2 pound bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt to taste
Fresh thyme leaves and additional cooked and crumbled bacon, optional

Steps:

Rinse and sort black-eyed peas. Place peas and bacon in a Dutch oven; add water to cover. Bring to a boil; boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat; let soak, covered, 1 hour. Do not drain., In a cast-iron or other heavy skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in thyme., Stir into pea mixture. Bring to a boil; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, until peas are tender, stirring occasionally, 30-40 minutes. Sprinkle with salt to taste. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme leaves and additional crumbled bacon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 361 calories, Fat 19g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 23mg cholesterol, Sodium 228mg sodium, Carbohydrate 35g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 11g fiber), Protein 15g protein.