blacken onion and
garlic in the broiler
or a gas burner

source, 4 servings
1 lb black-eyed peas, soaked overnight in 2-inches water; 1 peeled, halved, blackened sweet onion; sachet: 1 halved & blackened bulb garlic+10 peppercorns+4 cloves+2 bay leaves; 1 T olive oil, 1 T smoked paprika, pinch salt, 1 T maple syrup
simmer until tender, remove sachet, cook down, allowing bottom crust to form