Hoppin John

Hoppin' John is a classic Southern dishes with as many versions, stories, and flavors as there are cooks. Its core ingredients are rice, black-eyed peas (or field peas), smoked ham (or bacon), and onions. Hoppin' John is traditionally served as part of the New Year's meal.

Recipe makes about 10 servings

Whatcha Need:

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large ham hock
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup green pepper, chopped
• 1 Tablespoon chopped garlic
• 1 pound black-eyed peas, soaked overnight and rinsed
• 1 quart chicken stock
• Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dry thyme leaves
• Salt, black pepper, and cayenne
• 3 Tablespoons finely chopped green onion
• 3 cups steamed white rice

Whatcha Do:

1. Heat oil in a large soup pot, add the ham hock and sear on all sides for 4 minutes. Add the onion, celery, green pepper, and garlic, cook for 4 minutes.

2. Add the black-eyed peas, stock, bay leaves, thyme, and seasonings. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 40 minutes, or until the peas are creamy and tender, stir occasionally. If the liquid evaporates, add more water or stock. Adjust seasonings, and garnish with green onions.