New Year's Day Black-Eyed Peas

Directions

1. 1.

   Heat 2 Tbsp. oil in a large saucepan over medium. Add bacon, if using, and cook, stirring occasionally, until some of the fat begins to collect in the pan and bacon starts to look shiny, about 5 minutes. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender, about 5 minutes. Add thyme sprigs, garlic, black-eyed peas, and 8 cups cold water and bring to a simmer over medium-high. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently, skimming any foam from surface, until beans are tender, 35–45 minutes. Discard thyme; season with salt.

2. 2.

   To serve, drizzle beans with oil and top with thyme leaves and some pepper.

3. 3.

   Beans can be cooked 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.