Hoppin John

Name: Hoppin' John
Ingredients: 1/3 pound bacon , or 1 ham hock plus 2 tablespoons oil; 1 rib celery , diced; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 small green bell pepper , diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 8 ounces dried black-eyed peas ( about 1 1/4 cups); 1 bay leaf; 2 teaspoons dried thyme; 1 heaping teaspoon Cajun seasoning; Salt; 2 cups long-grain rice; Scallions or green onions, chopped, for garnish; Cooked collard greens , kale, beet tops, or turnip greens, for serving