Hoppin' John Recipe

Ingredients

• 1/3 pound bacon, or 1 ham hock plus 2 tablespoons oil
• 1 celery rib, diced
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 pound dried black-eyed peas, about 1 1/4 cups
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• 1 heaping teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt
• 2 cups long-grain rice
• Scallions or green onions for garnish
• Collard greens, kale, beet tops, or turnip greens, for serving