Hoppin' John

Ingredients

• 1/4 pound slab bacon, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 celery rib, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 pounds black-eyed peas (fresh or frozen)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• 3 cups water
• Hot cooked rice
• 3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped or stewed