New Year's Day Hoppin' John

This recipe is said to give you good luck if you eat it on New Year's Day. Adding greens (like collard greens or kale) or serving it with cornbread is supposed to give you wealth in the New Year.  If you eat it as leftovers the next day you get even more good luck.  It's healthy enough that it certainly can't hurt to try it!   There are a lot of variations on this recipe, but here's the one I used:

Hoppin' John

Serves: 6 adults

2 cups dried black eyed peas, soaked in water the night before

1 medium onion, diced

Approx. 1 1/2 cups of leftover ham or 4 strips of bacon cut into pieces

1 bunch collard greens or kale cut into small pieces (optional)

2 cups rice

After the peas have soaked overnight cover with water in a pot, bring to a boil and simmer for 1-1 1/2 hours until tender.  About 15 minutes before the peas are done cook the rice in 4 cups of water.  When peas are done cooking drain them, reserving about a 1/2 cup of liquid.  If using bacon add bacon and onions and cook until bacon is crispy.  If using ham saute onions in about a tablespoon of oil until translucent, then add ham.  Next add collard greens (if using) and cook until wilted.  Add cooked peas and 1/2 cup liquid.  Bring to a boil then serve over rice.  Season with salt and pepper.  I also like to add hot sauce.

Hoppin' John