Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups dried black-eyed peas
• 2 garlic cloves, sliced
• 1 3-ounce package cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar (about 6 ounces)
• 1 bunch green onions, sliced
• Tortilla chips

Instructions

1. Place peas in heavy medium saucepan. Add enough water to saucepan to cover peas by 2 inches. Let stand 30 minutes. Drain. Add water to cover peas by 2 inches. Generously salt water. Stir in 1 garlic clove. Boil until peas are very tender, adding more water to pan if necessary, about 1 hour.
2. Using slotted spoon, transfer peas to processor. Process until smooth. Add remaining garlic clove and next 3 ingredients. Pulse until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Transfer dip to 8-inch-diameter pie plate or quiche dish. (Can be prepared 2 days ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
3. Preheat oven to 400°F. Top dip with cheddar. Bake until dip is heated through and cheese bubbles, about 20 minutes. Sprinkle dip with green onions and serve with tortilla chips.