Vegetarian Black-Eyed Peas

Serves 6.

I like to have a themed menu when serving a crowd. I served this dish with hush puppies as part of a Southern themed dinner.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 c chopped onions
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dried leaf thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 16 oz dry black-eyed peas
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 4-6 c vegetable broth
• salt and pepper
• 2 green onions, sliced

Directions:

1. In a large pot over low heat, warm vegetable oil. Add onion and bell pepper: saute until tender, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, red pepper, black pepper, thyme, and oregano. Saute another minute.
3. Stir in black-eyed peas, brown sugar, and enough of the broth to cover by 2 inches. Cover and simmer for about 1 hour.
4. Uncover and cook for 30 to 45 minutes longer, or until peas are tender, adding more broth as needed.
5. Serve hot with a sprinkling of green onions.