Hoppin' John - to bring wealth (pork for rutting forward)

Serves: 8-10

1 lb. dried black eyed peas
1/2 lb. salt pork, cubed
1/2 lb. cooked ham, cubed
1 large onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 t. crushed red pepper
pepper to taste
3 C cooked rice

Rinse peas and pick over, removing any small stones or foreign particles. Cover with cold water in a large pot, bring to a boil for a minute, and remove from heat cover and let sit for one hour. In a large skillet, sauté the salt pork to render fat, add onion and garlic and cook until onion is soft, about 5-6 minutes. Add the onion mixture and seasonings to the pot with the peas. Add enough water to cover the ingredients and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 1- 1 1/2 hours or until black-eyed peas are tender but not mushy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve over hot cooked rice.