New Year's Hoppin’ John Veggie Style

Ingredients:
2 T olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 large green pepper, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 tsp dried thyme
Bay Leaf
6 cups vegetable broth
2 cups dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and rinsed
Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups cooked long grain rice
3 T chopped green onions, for garnish
1lb collard greens, ribs removed and steamed or sautéed (optional)
Hot sauce (optional)

What you do:
In a large soup pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the onion, pepper, garlic, and celery. Sauté until vegetables are tender. Add the thyme, bay leaf, broth, black-eyed peas and seasonings and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until black-eyed peas are creamy and tender, about 45 minutes. If liquid evaporates, add more broth or water. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve over rice and garnish with green onions.  Serve with steamed or sautéed collard greens and hot sauce on the side.