Hoppin' John

I'm obviously on a Cajun kick!  This would make a great dish for Thursday nights when we watch Swamp People.  I got this recipe from a lady I work with, she makes it for our "food days" in the office.  I'm excited to be able to make it for myself anytime I want now.

1 lb Black Eyed Peas (dry)

2 packages Smoked Ham Shanks (they’re meatier than ham hocks but you can use hocks if you want)
1 cup uncooked rice (I don’t use instant rice)
salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste

Wash peas.  Put in stockpot with ham shanks and cover with several inches or more of water. 

Cook til peas are tender (several hours) adding hot water as necessary.  Remove ham shanks and add the salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste.

Make sure there is about three cups of juice in the pot and add 1 cup of uncooked rice. Cover and simmer gently til rice is tender (about 20 min).  You probably could use instant rice but I’ve never made it with it so I don’t know how much juice would need to be in the pan when you add the rice.

Meanwhile, remove the ham from the bones and shred into small pieces.  When the rice is done, return the ham to the pot.  Serve.