Hoppin' John Soup (Black-eyed Bean Stew)

onions peeled and cut into large chunks

red (bell pepper deseeded and cut into large chunks)

celery cut into large chunks

garlic cloves peeled

chopped ginger

Scotch bonnet chilli to taste (optional, leave out if feeding children)

slices of thick cut smoked bacon cut into thin strips

olive oil

black-eyed beans soaked for 2 hrs and rinsed

maggi stock or chicken stock

bay leaf

dried thyme

Salt

Ground black pepper

spring onions (scallions finely chopped)