Recipe: Hoppin' John

We have a Christmas / New Year's tradition of eating some yummy Hoppin' John this time of year. If you don't know much about it - eating hoppin' johns on New Year's Day is meant to bring good luck. We normally do it a few days before - but it still feels just as lucky.

My sister is the supplier of this recipe - so when you taste how amazing it is - thank her. The recipe below is good for 3 people for dinner. Normally one bundle of greens is enough for 3 too - so multiply out accordingly.

Hoppin' John

1 T olive oil
3 thick slices ham, diced
1 med onion
1-1/2 cup water
1/2 tsp salt, pepper
1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
1 package (16 oz) frozen black-eyed peas(canned works if you can't find frozen)
5 green onions
1/2 cup cooked brown rice
1 T cider vinegar

Heat oil in large heavy saucepan at medium. Add onions and cook until translucent (5 min). Add ham. Add water, salt pepper, red pepper flakes and heat to boil. Add black-eyed peas and return to boil/. Reduce to low, cover and simmer for 35 minutes.

Stir in green onions, cooked rice and vinegar and serve.

Serve with greens. (Fresh) collard are the best, chard and kale are pretty good, too. Cook greens with a little fresh garlic and balsamic vinegar. 

It is a pretty easy dish - and I am always eating more than I should. Oh, and pick up a loaf of fresh Dutch Crutch bread to go with it. 

Happy New Year! Hope it is filled with millions of wonderful moments!