Hoppin' John

A traditional New Year's Day dish... legend has it that eating Black Eyed Peas on New Years Day brings good luck. After reviewing several cookbook recipes full of salt and fat I came up with a somewhat healthier version by cutting back on amount of sausage and using liquid smoke to "fool the tastebuds" Ground Chicken or Turkey Sausage will work as well. Seasonings can all be adjusted to personal preference. Place in covered skillet and simmer on low until heated through and spices lend their flavor to the dish. I have put this in a crock pot to heat and serve later. Serves 2 really hearty appetites or 4 smaller portions.

• Ready In: 1 hr 15 mins
• Serves: 2-4

Ingredients

• 1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can chopped tomatoes, with liquid
• 3  teaspoons olive oil
• 1  medium green pepper, diced
• 1  small onion, diced
• 1⁄2 lb breakfast sausage
• 1⁄2 teaspoon liquid smoke
• 1⁄4 teaspoon ground sage
• 1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1  bay leaf
• 1  dash salt
• 1  dash cayenne pepper
• 1  cup cooked brown rice
•  hot sauce (optional)

Directions

1. Brown sausage or ground meat in skillet until no longer pink. Drain & set aside.
2. In small skillet saute green pepper and onion, in olive oil until slightly tender. Add tomatoes and spices along with bay leaf.
3. Stir in browned sausage and black eye peas.
4. Cover and simmer on low 45 minutes ,stirring occasionally.
5. Serve with a scoop of cooked brown rice with a dash of hot sauce.