Oklahoma Black-Eyed Peas

Preparation

1. Step 1

   In a medium-sized pot, over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp, about five minutes. Remove the bacon, crumble it and set aside. Pour off all but about two tablespoons of fat from the pot.

2. Step 2

   Return the pot to medium heat, and toss in the onions, pepper and celery. Brown these in the fat, stirring frequently. Add the crumbled bacon, tomatoes, sugar, bay leaf, basil, salt and pepper and stir. Then add the frozen black-eyed peas. Simmer for one-and-a-half to two hours, or until the beans are soft but not mushy, adding a little water from time to time if the mixture dries out.