New Year’s Black-Eyed Pea Salad

Preparation

1. Step 1

   Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, heavy soup pot over medium heat and add the onion. Cook, stirring, until tender, about 5 minutes. Add half the garlic and cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant, 30 seconds to a minute. Add the black-eyed peas and the water and bring to a simmer. Skim off any foam from the surface of the water. Add the bay leaf and salt to taste (1 to 2 teaspoons). Reduce the heat, cover and simmer 30 minutes. Taste and add more salt if desired. Add the remaining garlic, cover and simmer until the beans are tender but intact. Taste and adjust salt. Remove from the heat and carefully drain through a colander or strainer set over a bowl. Transfer the beans to a large salad bowl.

2. Step 2

   In a pyrex measuring cup or a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin, and mustard. Whisk in ½ cup of the bean broth, then the olive oil. Taste and adjust seasonings. Add a little more vinegar if you wish. Stir the dressing into the warm beans. Stir in the red pepper and cilantro, and serve, or allow to cool and serve at room temperature.