Step 1

Rinse and drain fresh or frozen peas

Step 2

If using bacon, cook bacon in large stockpot

Step 3

Add peas and water or broth to the stockpot with the bacon and grease; add enough liquid to cover peas

Step 4

If using ham hock, add it to the pot now; add garlic and onion powder

Step 5

Bring to boil for 10 minutes; if a foam appears, either scrape it off or leave it; (it will dissolve)

Step 6

Cover, reduce heat to low; allow to cook for 1½-2 hours

Step 7

Once tender, season with salt and pepper to taste; remove from heat and allow to sit for about 10 minutes; If you want to add okra, do it now: bring the pot back up to a rolling boil, add okra, allow to boil for 2-5 minutes: cover and allow to rest for 15 min

Step 8

Serve with cornbread and sliced tomatoes