Hoppin' John

Ingredients:
1 1/3 cups dried black eyed peas (the recipe says to soak in cold water overnight and drain, but I found them to be a little smooshy in the end. Maybe soak for 4-6 hours or not at all?? Or maybe not boil as long below ? this was my first time cooking with dried beans requiring soaking.)
2 pints water
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium chopped onion
4 cloves garlic (added to recipe)
14 oz. canned tomatoes
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon cumin (added to recipe)
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning (added to recipe)
1 1/3 cups long grain rice
¾ cup fresh cilantro (added to recipe)

Directions:
1. Place beans in large sauce pan and pour in water and 1 teaspoon salt.
2. Place pan over moderately high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, partially cover pan and simmer 1 ½ hours.
3. In separate pan combine oil, onions, garlic, and seasoning and cook over medium heat for five minutes. Add tomatoes and simmer for 10 minutes.
4. After the black-eyed peas have cooked for 1 ½ hours (do not drain water) stir in vegetable/seasoning/tomato mixture, rice, and cilantro and simmer for 15 minutes (or until rice is done).