Down here in the South, we MUST have black eyed peas on New Years Day. Don’t you know that just eating them will bring good luck for the rest of the year???? What, your Mama didn’t tell you that when were a child??
My favorite way to have said black eyed peas is to make a big pot of Hopping John. That with some cornbread (no sugar of course) along with some boiled cabbage and 2014 will be just right.
HOPPING JOHN
1 Cup Dried Black-Eyed Peas
2 or 3 Slices Bacon or Salt Pork
1 Small Onion chopped
1 or 2 Clove Garlic crushed or chopped
1/2 Pound Lean Ground Beef
Salt, Fresh Ground Black Pepper, and a dash of MSG to taste
In a large bowl cover the Dried Black-Eyed Peas with Water and refrigerate over night. Drain the soaking water, place the peas in a large sauce pan or pot and cover with fresh Water. Add the Bacon or Salt Pork, the chopped Onion, and the Garlic. Bring to a Boil, cover, reduce the heat and simmer for about an hour or until the Peas are about tender, yet still a little firm. Add the uncooked Rice. You may need to add a little more water at this. time. Cover and cook for another 20 minutes. While the Rice is cooking Sauté the Lean Ground Beef. Add the Beef to the pot with the Peas and Rice.. Season with the Salt, Fresh Ground Black Pepper and dash of MSG. Using very low heat, cook for another 10 minutes. Turn off heat and let sit for 5 or 10 minutes before serving.