Seasoned Black-Eyed Peas
["1 lb. dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight", "4 c. water", "1 chicken bouillon cube", "2 small onions, quartered", "2 hot pepper pods or 1 tsp. crushed red pepper", "2 cloves garlic, minced", "1/2 tsp. dried thyme, crushed", "1 Tbsp. vegetable oil", "salt to taste (optional)"]
["Drain peas (if desired, instead of soaking, cover peas with water and bring to boil then let stand 1 hour).", "Combine peas, water, bouillon, onion, pepper, garlic, thyme, vegetable oil and salt in Dutch oven or large saucepan.", "Bring to boil, then reduce heat and cover.", "Simmer gently for 1 hour or until tender.", "Add additional water if pea mixture becomes too thick.", "Serves 8."]
["black-eyed peas", "water", "chicken", "onions", "hot pepper", "garlic", "thyme", "vegetable oil", "salt"]