Cajun Black-Eyed Peas

• ½ lb. dried black-eyed peas
• Water to cover
• 1 cup cubed Tasso or smoked ham
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 yellow or green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz. packaged mushrooms, chopped
• 1-14 oz. can diced tomatoes
• 1 tsp. thyme
• ¼ tsp. chipotle or cayenne pepper
• 1 dash bottled hot sauce

Place peas in heavy saucepan, cover with water. Add Tasso or ham, salt and pepper. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and cook until tender.

In large, deep skillet or heavy saucepan, heat olive oil. Sauté bell pepper, onion, garlic and mushroom until soft. Add black-eyed pea mixture, tomatoes, chipotle pepper and hot sauce. Mix well and simmer about 15 minutes.