Black-Eyed Peas Italian Style - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. dried black-eyed peas, picked over
1/4 lb. bacon or Canadian bacon, chopped
2 medium onions, peeled and chopped (1 1/2 c.)
2 ribs celery, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 (6 oz.) can Italian tomato paste
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 dried red hot pepper or fresh hot red pepper

Preparation

Soak black-eyed peas overnight or at least 10 hours.
Cover with water.
Drain water.
In large saucepan, place peas and cover with water.
Add remaining ingredients and simmer for 1 hour or until peas are tender.
Adjust seasoning; remove hot pepper. Serve as a side dish with chicken or fish or as part of a vegetarian meal with rice or pasta.