Camellia Brand Hoppin' John

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Camellia Brand Blackeye Peas
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large ripe tomato, seeded and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups lightly salted water or chicken broth
• 2 large ham hocks
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 cup chopped green onions
• Salt, pepper and/or hot sauce, to taste

Directions:

Rinse and sort peas. (Optional: Soak peas using your preferred method.)

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions; sauté 5 minutes.
2. Add tomato and garlic; sauté an additional 5 minutes.
3. Add water or broth, ham hocks, bay leaves and oregano; bring to a boil. Add blackeye peas; stir well. Return to a low boil; cover with lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer 1½ to 2 hours or until the peas are tender, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove ham hocks, pick meat from bones, chop and return to the pot; discard bones, skin and other unwanted items. Remove bay leaves and discard.
5. Add rice to pot, cover and simmer an additional 25 minutes or until the rice is tender. Add green onions; stir well. Adjust seasonings to taste.