BLACK-EYED PEAS WITH HAM HOCK AND COLLARDS

Time: 2 hours

Makes about 12 cups cooked beans, serves 10-12

Ingredients:

900g black-eyed peas, soaked overnight if possible 900g smoked ham hock, meaty ham bone or slab bacon 2 tsp kosher salt 1 large onion, peeled and stuck with 2 cloves 1 bay leaf ½ tsp black pepper ½ tsp allspice 2Tbsp vegetable oil 4 garlic cloves, minced ½ tsp crushed red pepper 900g collard greens, cut in 1in .ribbons (about 8 cups) 1 bunch scallions, cleaned and chopped, for garnish

Preparation:

1. Drain peas and put them in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot. Add ham hock or bone (if using slab bacon, cut it into 2in. chunks), cover with 10 cups water and turn heat to high. Add salt, onion stuck with cloves, bay leaf, black pepper and allspice. 2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Skim off and discard any foam that rises to the surface. Simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, until peas are tender. Throughout cooking, add water as necessary, always keeping liquid level 1 inch above surface, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. Turn off heat. Check broth for salt and adjust seasoning. Mixture should be fairly brothy. With a pair of tongs, remove ham hock, ham bone or bacon. Chop meat and skin in rough pieces and set aside. 3. Put a large wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil and heat until wavy. Add garlic and red pepper and let sizzle without browning. Add collard greens and stir to coat. Season with salt and add 1 cup water, stirring to help wilt greens. Add chopped ham and reduce heat to medium, then cover with lid slightly ajar and cook until greens are soft, about 20 minutes. Check seasoning. 4. To serve, put greens and meat in low soup bowls, then ladle over hot black-eyed peas. Sprinkle with scallions.