Southern Black Eyed Peas Mamas Lucky Easy Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) dried black eyed peas, rinsed well
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) water or chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 2 stalks celery, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 ham hock (about 1 pound/450g) or 1 cup diced cooked ham
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a kick)
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)