New Year's Day Black-Eyed Peas

Ingredients

Warm 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil in a large saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat.
Add 4 oz. bacon and cook, stirring occasionally, until bacon starts to look shiny, about 5 minutes.
Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender.
Add 5 sprigs thyme, 4 smashed garlic cloves, 2 cups dried black-eyed peas, and 8 cups cold water and bring to a simmer over medium-high.
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently, until beans are tender, 35–45 minutes. Discard thyme; season with kosher salt.
To serve, drizzle beans with extra-virgin olive oil and top with thyme leaves and freshly ground black pepper.