Hoppin' John

Serving Size : 6

• 2 cups dried black eyed peas
• 6 cups water
• 3/4 cup onion -- chopped
• 1/4 cup celery -- chopped
• 2 pounds ham hocks
• 1 cup brown rice -- uncooked
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Soak peas in the 6 cups of water overnight.
Transfer soaked peas and soaking liquid to a large pot and add onions, celery, and ham hocks. Cover and cook over medium heat until peas are tender but still whole, about 45 minutes. Add rice and pepper, cover, and simmer for about 1 hour, or until rice is tender.
Remove meat from ham hocks and discard bones and fat. Mix meat into peas and rice. Serve hot.