Looking for the best black-eyed pea recipe? One that will finally, bring good luck in the new year? No guarantees, but this may be the one!

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 oz. slab bacon, cut into ½" pieces (optional)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 5 sprigs thyme
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, drained
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Preparation

• Warm 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a large saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.
• Add 4 oz. bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until bacon starts to look shiny, about 5 minutes.
• Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.
• Add 5 sprigs thyme, 4 smashed garlic cloves, 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, and 8 cups cold water and bring to a simmer over medium-high.
• Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently, until beans are tender, 35–45 minutes. Discard thyme; season with kosher salt.
• To serve, drizzle beans with extra-virgin olive oil and top with thyme leaves and freshly ground black pepper.