Hopping John - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 c. field or black-eyed peas
1 ham hock
salt and pepper to taste
1 c. instant rice

Preparation

Place peas and ham in a large saucepan and cover with water. Add salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil and reduce heat.
Simmer for about 1 1/2 hours.
Add water as needed to keep peas covered. Remove ham hock; lay it aside to cool.
Add rice.
Bring back to a boil.
Remove from heat and cover.
Let it stand for 15 minutes.