Hoppin' John

Name: Hoppin' John
Ingredients: 1 pound dried black-eyed peas (cow peas); 1/2 pound salt pork; 1 quart water; 1 sprig fresh thyme; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 1/2 cups raw long-grain rice; 3 cups hot water

7 ingredients

10 steps

Ingredients

1 pound dried black-eyed peas (cow peas)
1/2 pound salt pork
1 quart water
1 sprig fresh thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups raw long-grain rice
3 cups hot water

Directions

1

Pick over the black-eyed peas to remove dirt and stones.
2

Soak them in water to cover at least 4 hours or overnight.
3

Fry the salt pork in a large heavy casserole to render the fat.
4

When the salt pork is crisp, add the black-eyed peas and the quart of water, the thyme, salt, and pepper, cover, and cook over low heat for 40 minutes.
5

Adjust the seasonings and continue to cook until the peas are tender.
6

Add the rice, cover with the 3 cups hot water, and simmer over low heat until all of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
7

Serve hot.
8

On New Year's Day, in some families, a dime is placed in the Hoppin' John to ensure special good luck throughout the year for the person who gets it.
9

However, the thought of cracking a tooth makes me think that this may not be the best idea.
10

Try it if you wish.