Black-eyed Peas

Ingredients:

1 pound dried black-eyed peas, picked over
2 tablespoons rendered bacon fat
1 small onion, peeled
Pickled black-eyed peas
1 recipe black-eyed peas, or three 16-ounce cans, rinsed and drained
1/2 small green bell pepper, minced (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 small red bell pepper, minced (about 1/2 cup)
4 scallions including green parts, sliced thin
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon minced seeded habanero or other fresh hot chili, or to taste (wear rubber gloves)


In a bowl combine black-eyed peas with water to cover and let stand overnight. Drain peas and in a 4-quart saucepan, combine with water to cover by 2 inches. Add bacon fat and onion. Simmer mixture, covered, 30 to 40 minutes, or until peas are tender, and drain well, discarding onion. In a bowl, combine all ingredients with salt and pepper to taste and toss well. Chill mixture, covered, for at least 5 hours and up to 2 days. Serve black-eyed peas chilled or at room temperature.

Serves 8.