Hoppin' John

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups black-eyed peas dry
• 1 pound ham hocks 
• 1  onion chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper flakes red crushed
• 6 servings salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cheddar cheese smoked shredded
• 4 cups water 
• 1.5 cups rice long-grain white

Equipment

• frying pan
• pot

Directions

1. In a large pan place the peas, ham hock, onion, red pepper, salt and pepper. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 1 1/2 hours.
2. Remove ham hock and cut meat into pieces. Return meat to pot. Stir in the rice, cover and cook until rice is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese over top, if desired.
4. Serve