Start boiling ham shank. It takes 1 to 2 hours for it to get nice and tender I use the both from the ham shank add black eye peas if you need to add water to the pot you can, boil black eye peas on meduim saute onions, garlic, celery, bell pepper , till transulcent, add to black eye peas add seasoing , peas take 1 hour till done