New Year's Hopping John

PanNan's Note:

This is a tried and true traditional recipe for New Year's Day in the South.

• Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients:

Serves: 6

Yield: 12.0 side di ...

• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1 medium onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon oil, bacon drippings or 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 cups water
• 2 (10 1/2 ounce) cans chicken broth (or 2 1/2 cups)
• 16 ounces black-eyed peas (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 1/2 lb cooked ham, cubed
• 1/4 teaspoon dry crushed red pepper
• 3 bay leaves
• 3 cups cooked long-grain rice

Directions:

1. Saute the first three ingredients in a large Dutch oven in hot oil, bacon drippings, or butter until tender.
2. Add water and next five ingredients.
3. Bring to a boil; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 40 minutes or until peas are tender.
4. Remove and discard bay leaf.
5. Serve over rice.

Reviews

[Mimi Bobeck]

Very filling. very satisfying, Not fattening and on top of it all - it was delish! Kids love it, Adults love it and it's good for you. Add this one to the list of "practically perfect foods".

[MessyChef]

Everyone including our 4 year old loved this recipe! I only had canned black eyed peas on hand so I used those (undrained) and did not need to add the chicken broth or water. I actually ended up using the chicken broth to cook the rice with. Instead of ham I used ground beef and it came out wonderful. Thank you for sharing, I will be making this again!

[KissKiss]

This is so comforting and good, and it made my house smelling AMAZING. It was a bit wet, so I used a slotted spoon to serve it over the rice. I used half the red pepper and added Louisiana hot sauce to the bowls of those who wanted it. Didn't want to start it out too hot because of my 3-year-old, who, by the way, said to me, "Mommy I like these beans you made!" That NEVER happens, hence the five star review. Thanks for a keeper that pleased the whole family! :-)