Hoppin' John with Ham Hocks

Description
Makes 8 servings.

Ingredients

 * 1 pound meaty ham hocks
 * 1 cup chopped onion
 * 2 teaspoons salt
 * 1/4 teaspooon crushed red pepper
 * 3 1/2 cups water
 * 2 cups dry blackeyes
 * 1 1/2 cups uncooked rice
 * Salt and ground black pepper

Directions
Combine ham hocks, onion, salt, red pepper and water in large saucepan. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer 1-1/4 hours, or until ham is tender.

Meanwhile, wash blackeyes. Combine blackeyes and 6 cups water; bring to a boil and boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 1 hour. Remove ham hocks from saucepan. Add water to liquid left in saucepan to measure 3-1/2 cups, if necessary. Cut meat into small pieces, discarding bone and rind. Drain blackeyes; discard soaking liquid.

Combine ham, blackeyes and rice in large saucepan; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer 20 to 25 minutes, or until blackeyes and rice are tender and liquid is absorbed. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.