Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern United States New Year’s day dish that is thought to bring good luck in the new year.
Ingredients:
2 cup dried black – eyed peas
1 pound of slab bacon or ham hocks
1 large onion, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 bell pepper, chopped
crushed red pepper flakes
salt & pepper
4 cups of water or chicken broth
2 cups of uncooked long grain rice
Spices/seasonings:
green peppers, vinegar, and spices have also been added to this dish.
Cooking Instructions:
Before preparing the peas, sort and remove any pebbles or other debris. Soak, rinse, and drain peas. Place in a large soup pot and cover with cold water, cook over medium-high heat until it reaches a good boil. Remove from heat, cover and let sit for 1 to 2 hours. Drain and rinse peas again.
Using the same large soup pot, add soaked peas, bacon or ham hock, onion, spices, and water or chicken broth, and cook over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, until peas are tender. Do not boil too long or the peas will burst.
Remove meat and cut into bite sized pieces, return to pot. Add uncooked rice and cover, cook for 25-30 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. This dish is usually served with cornbread.
