Barley Hoppin’ John

I found this recipe on eatingwell.com. Hoppin' John is tradionally made with rice, but barley make it a bit healthier. Eating black-eyed peas on New Year's Day is said to bring good luck and prosperity for the new year.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 1  small red bell pepper, chopped
• 2  stalks celery, chopped
• 2  garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14 ounce) can vegetable broth
• 1  cup quick-cooking barley
• 1  tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped or 1  teaspoon dried thyme
• 2  teaspoons lemon juice
• 1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black-eyed peas, rinsed

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften, 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
4. Add broth, barley, thyme, lemon juice, crushed red pepper, and salt; bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until the barley is done, 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Remove from the heat and stir in black-eyed peas.
7. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes.
8. Serve hot.