New Year's Hopping John

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

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 12 side dish serving

Ingredients

• 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 1/2ounce) 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.