Caramelize the onions

• Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
• Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized.
• Cover with a lid and steam for 5 min to speed things up.

Add the garlic

• Add the minced garlic only after the onions are browned.
• Stir for a minute until fragrant.

Add beans and simmer

• Add the black-eyed peas and the bay leaf.
• Pour in the vegetable stock and season with salt and pepper.
• Stir, cover and simmer until the beans are tender and the liquid has reduced to a thick, stew-like consistency.

Finish and serve

• Taste and adjust the seasoning.
• Serve as is, or finish with a drizzle of cream and grated parmesan.