Hearty Hoppin' John

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. 1

   Place peas, ham hock, onion, red pepper, salt and pepper in a large pan. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 1 ½ hours.

2. 2

   Remove ham hock and cut meat into pieces. Return meat to pot. Stir in rice; cover and cook until rice is tender, about 20 to 25 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle shredded cheese over top, if desired.