Hoppin' John

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2/3 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
• 1/3 cup chopped celery
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cups water
• 2 smoked ham hocks (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 1 (16-ounce) bag frozen black-eyed peas
• 1 cup uncooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 3/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/3 cup chopped green onion tops