You've got to rinse dried black eyed peas TWICE real good before soaking.Everyone in my family likes Black Eyed Peas, except for me. To me, they just taste like dirt. Had a spoonful this evening --- yep, dirt.
Then after soaking, throw out that water, rinse again and simmer them in chicken broth with your choice of spices.
I add other stuff to make Hoppin John for New Year's.