Quick Hoppin' John

From Southern Living/Homestyle Cooking Easy and Quick

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 2-4

Ingredients

• 3  slices bacon, chopped
• 1⁄2 cup  chopped celery
• 1⁄3 cup  chopped onion
• 1  cup water
• 1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed peas, undrained
• 1  cup  uncooked quick long-grain rice
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh parsley
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme

• Optional Garnish

•  celery leaves

Directions

1. Cook bacon in a large saucepan until crisp, stirring often. Add celery and onion; cook, stirring constantly until vegetables are tender.
2. Stir in water and black-eyed peas; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Stir in rice, parsley, and thyme. Remove from heat; cover and let stand 5 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. Garnish, if desired.