Hoppin’ John
Legend has it that eating this soup on News Year day will bring you luck throughout the year. I’m not sure I really believe it but we’ve fixed this on January 1st the past several years just in case!
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
2 Bay leaf
1 teaspoon dry thyme leaves
3 tablespoons finely chopped green onion (garnish)
3 cups steamed white rice (serve Hoppin’ John over this)
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.
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.
Serve over rice.