JG's Lucky Peas

This one I can't take any credit for. JG picked me up from work at midnight last night. In the car was a steamy container of black-eyed peas he'd made for luck [a southern tradition]. They were so good I ate more than half the container on the ride home. Happy New Year!
Recipe: JG's Lucky Black-Eyed Peas

2 tsp olive oil
3 T [~1 oz] cubed ham
1 shallot, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 16 oz can black-eyed peas
1/2 cup water
1 pickled jalepeno, sliced
1/2 tsp cumin, toasted and ground
4 allspice berries, ground [~1/4-1/2 tsp]
salt to taste

In a small saucepan, heat oil over medium high heat and brown ham with shallots. [Ham occasionally explodes at high heat; a splatter guard is highly recommended.] Add beans--with canning liquid--and water, stirring to scrape up any stuck bits [fond] from the bottom. Add pepper and spices, then salt to taste. Lower heat to a simmer and stir occasionally for 10-15 minutes or until thickened slightly. Serve over rice or quinoa or with a side of tortilla chips or crackers.