Lucky New Year's Black-Eyed Pea Stew

INGREDIENTS

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups finely shredded Napa cabbage
• 1 (8 ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
• 1 pound ham hocks
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• salt to taste
• 1 quart chicken stock
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen black-eyed peas
• 1 1/2 cups basmati rice, well rinsed
• 3 cups water