Hoppin' John

Ingredients :

Salt pork or oil 2-3 T
Onion minced 1 each
Rice 1 1/2 cups
Water or stock 3 cups
Black-eyed peas cooked, drained, rinsed 2 cups
Ham hock 1 each
Bay leaf 1 each
Thyme 1 t
Salt & pepper to taste

Method :

1. Heat the salt pork or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Saute the onion until translucent. Stir in the rice and Saute for 3-4 minutes.
2. Stir in the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly and let simmer 15-18 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, another 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

Variations :

* Instead of the ham hock, substitute 1 1/2 cups of cubed ham if you like.
* Some recipes call for the rice and beans to be cooked separately, then mixed together at the end.