Hoppin' John Recipe

• 6 cups water
• 1 pound dried black-eyed peas
• 1 cup cubed salt pork, rinsed
• 1 large green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cups uncooked rice
• salt and pepper

Combine water and black-eyed peas in large saucepan. Cook until almost tender, about one hour. Add more water if needed.

Brown salt pork in medium skillet on medium heat. Add green pepper, onion, garlic, cumin and thyme. Stir and cook until browned. Add tomato paste and chili powder. Stir. Add a little water. Stir. Pour into beans. Add rice. Stir. Add enough water to cover by 1-1/2 inches. Cover. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat. Simmer 30 minutes. Salt and pepper to taste.

6 to 8 servings.