Spanish Style Black Eyed Peas with Bacon

Tip:  Read directions completely before preparing.

Ingredients:

12 oz package of fresh shelled black eyed peas

6 slices bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces

1 small onion, chopped

2 teaspoons salt

3 large cloves garlic

1/2 teaspoon comino seeds (cumin)

1/2 teaspoon black peppercorns

1 package Sazon seasoning

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

1/4 cup cilantro

1 Roma tomato, chopped

water

Directions:

Rinse fresh shelled black eyed peas, even the pre-packaged, ready to use.  Set Aside.

In a molcajete (mortar and pestle) add garlic, black peppercorns, and comino.

Grind into and paste.

Add water and stir to remove all spices from molcajete.  Set aside.

In a heavy bottomed pot, over medium heat, fry the bacon until crisp; remove bacon with a slotted spoon, reserving drippings in pot.  Set aside.

Add onion in reserved drippings and sauté until light brown.

Add black eyed peas, then add enough water to cover about 1 1/2 inches above peas. Add garlic, pepper, and comino mixture, from the mocajete, Sazon pack, and salt.  Bring to a boil.  Cover, and reduce heat to medium low, let simmer for 1 hour.

 

  

After one hour, add the fried bacon, cilantro, tomato and green onions; raise heat to medium and simmer, uncovered for another 10 minutes and serve hot. Enjoy!

Tip: Remember, black eyed peas on New Year's Day are thought to bring good luck for the entire year!