hoppin john recipe

**Ingredients:** - 1 cup dried black-eyed peas (or 2 cans, drained and rinsed) - 4 cups water or chicken broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, diced - 1 green bell pepper, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bay leaf - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) - 1 smoked ham hock (or 1 cup diced ham) - 1 cup long-grain white rice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) - Hot sauce (optional, for serving)