Hopping John - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/2 lb. dried black-eyed peas (1 1/4 c.)
water
1 ham hock, split
1 onion, chopped
1/2 tsp. crushed dried red peppers
1 c. rice
1 tsp. salt
classic pepper relish (optional)

Preparation

Place peas in large kettle; add water to cover generously and soak overnight or cover.
Bring to a boil; boil 2 minutes and let stand 2 hours.
Place ham hock, onion, red pepper and water to cover in saucepan.
Boil 30 minutes.
Add ham hock mixture with liquid to peas.
Cover and boil 45 minutes or until peas are tender.
Add more water as needed to keep peas juicy.
Add rice and salt; stir.
Cover and simmer 20 minutes or until rice is tender.
Serve hot.
Sliced sweet onion or pepper relish can be served with Hopping John.
Makes 6 servings.