Hoppin' John - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 c. water
1 lb. black-eyed peas
1/4 c. Crisco shortening or oil
1 lb. green bell pepper, chopped
1 large onion, chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1 can tomato paste
1 tsp. chili powder
2 lb. brown rice
8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Preparation

Combine water and black-eyed peas in a large saucepan.
Cook until almost tender, about 1 hour (add more water if needed). Heat shortening or oil in medium skillet on medium heat.
Add green pepper, onion, garlic, cumin and thyme; cook and stir until browned.
Add tomato paste and chili powder.
Stir and add a little water, then stir and pour onto beans.
Add rice, bacon, salt and pepper.
Stir; cover and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat; simmer for 30 minutes.