Southern Hoppin’ John

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound sliced bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 small green or sweet red pepper, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 6 green onions, sliced
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 can (15 ounces) black-eyed peas, rinsed and drained