Hopping' John

Hopping John eaten on New Years Day is suppose to bring you good luck for the New year. My mother always made it, so I make it. Also eating cabbage on New Years Day is suppose to bring you lots of money. Well I am not sure about all that, but it has become our annual tradition at our house.

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon olive oil
• 1  cup  chopped onion
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped  red pepper
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1 1⁄2 cups  cooked black-eyed peas
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1  cup  uncooked long grain rice
• 6  slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
•  Tabasco sauce (optional)

Directions

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper and garlic and cook until translucent.
3. Add the black eyed peas, stirring to combine.
4. Add 2 1/2 cups water, salt and pepper and bring to a boil.
5. Add the rice. Bring back to a boil, cover and reduce heat.
6. Simmer for 20 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand covered, for an additional 10 minutes.
7. Uncover, taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.
8. Add dashes of Tabasco and crumbled bacon on top.