Black Eyed Peas with Vegetables and Small Pasta

Since black eyed peas require no soaking,
you can cook this after work so long as you
have some fresh vegetables around the house.

Ingredients:
1/2 pound dried black-eyed peas, picked over and rinsed
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 large carrots, finely chopped
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1/4 cup tomato paste dissolved in 1/2 cup water
2 to 4 garlic cloves (to taste), minced
1 bay leaf
1 dried hot pepper, or 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
1/4 to 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup small pasta, such as elbow macaroni or tubettini
1/2 to 1 cup chopped cooked spinach or greens (optional)
1 to 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, to taste

Directions:
Cover the black-eyed peas with water,
bring to a boil and then drain.
Combine the drained black-eyed peas,
onion, carrots, red bell pepper, dissolved tomato paste,
garlic, bay leaf, hot pepper and 1/4 cup olive oil
in a large soup pot or Dutch oven.
Cover with water by 2 inches, and bring to a gentle boil.
Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low and simmer 20 minutes.
Add salt to taste, and continue to simmer until the beans
and vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes more.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add the pasta,
increase the heat to medium-high, and simmer five to 10 minutes,
until the pasta is cooked and much of the liquid has been absorbed.
Stir in the greens, another 2 tablespoons olive oil
if desired and the vinegar.
Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.