Peas & Grits

• 1 large tin pigeon peas
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 tsp. Thyme
• 1/2 sweet pepper, diced
• 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 4 c. water
• 2 1/2 c. grits
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/2 hot pepper
• 2 Tbsp. cooking oil

Pour oil into frying pan. Add onion & sweet pepper & sauté lightly. Add tomato paste & allow to steam down for approx. 5 min.  Add thyme & hot pepper. Pour the mixture into a pot with the peas & water. Allow mixture to boil for 10 min.-Add grits, stirring constantly for about 10 min. then lower flame & continue cooking for 15-20 min.