Hoppin' John

Directions

1. 1
   Boil the peas and thyme until the peas have split.
2. 2
   Drain, reserving about a quarter cup of water with the peas.
3. 3
   In a heavy-bottomed pot, fry up the bacon until just crisped and remove with a slotted spoon.
4. 4
   In the same pot, add the onion, garlic and chourico, cook until golden and the chourico is just browned.
5. 5
   While this is going on, boil the rice in plenty of well-salted water until tender.
6. 6
   Drain and keep ready.
7. 7
   Drain off most of the fat. Add the peas and water, stir and cover a few minutes.
8. 8
   Add the cooked rice and reserved bacon and mix well.
9. 9
   Cook over lowest heat until nearly dry.
10. 10
    Take care not to scorch the mixture.
11. 11
    Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper and the tabasco.