Day 2- Hoppin John

Day two -“The Week Of Eating In Challenge”

So we are on to day two of the challenge. Hope you guys are enjoying the recipes so far. Next up is a fairly simple vegetarian dish that can be made with some cooked ham for you meat eaters out there. This is my version of the traditional New Year’s Day good luck dish called Hoppin John. This is a rice dish made with black-eyed peas. A nice variation that I make is made with black beans instead. This is my favorite way to make it.  This dish can be enjoyed as a side dish to a meal, or as the meal itself. In my option, the best way to eat this dish is with a nice bottle of Louisana hot sauce by your side. Sprinkle some on to bring up the flavor and add a dash of heat.

Hoppin John 

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

2 c prepared rice (white or brown)

1 T olive oil

2 t garlic, finely chopped

½ c red pepper, finely chopped

1 16oz can of either black-eyed peas or black beans (you may also use the same amount of dried beans that have been soaked and cooked)

½ t cumin

a dash cayenne pepper (or my favorite from Penzey’s spices is ground red chipotle)

1 bay leaf

½ -1 c vegetable broth, chicken broth or water

salt/pepper to taste

¾ c grated sharp cheddar cheese

½ c diced tomatoes

¼ c scallions, finely chopped into rings

 2 pieces cooked ham (optional for on top)

Directions

1.      1. Prepare rice as directed on the package

2.   2. Then add in the garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add in red pepper for 2 minutes and saute.

4.   3. Add in peas or beans, spices, bay leaf and broth or water.

5.       4.  Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated. 8-10 minutes.
     
 5.  Salt and pepper to taste.

7.       6. Spilt rice into two serving bowls. Pour cooked peas or beans on top.

8.       7. Sprinkle the cheese on top. Either put in the microwave, broiler, or toaster for a few moments to melt the cheese on top.

9.       8.  Serve with chopped tomatoes and scallions on top. You may also add the optional piece of cooked ham on dish as well. Either chopped or as a whole piece.

Tomorrow I will have yet another blog post and recipe for day three of “The Week Of Eating In Challenge”.

Till then live, love and eat some fantastic food.