Betty's Hopping John Cakes -- New Year's Day

black-eyed peas

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are lower in calories and canned beans save time.

cornmeal

🥗Healthier: whole wheat flour

💰Cheaper: all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour adds fiber while all-purpose flour is budget-friendly.

Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat.

Sauté 1/2 cup of chopped celery, 1/2 cup of chopped red bell pepper, and 1/2 cup of chopped onion until softened.

Drain and rinse 2 cans of black-eyed peas and set aside 1/2 cup for later use.

Pour the remaining black-eyed peas into a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.

In a saucepan, combine 1 can of beef broth with long grain white rice and bring to a boil, then cover and cook for 14 minutes.

Add the cooked rice (about 1 cup) to the black-eyed peas in the food processor.

Stir in 10 ounces of prepared chopped broccoli, the reserved black-eyed peas, sautéed vegetables, 1 well-beaten egg, and 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs.

Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, then stir until combined.

Use an ice cream scoop to form patties and roll them in panko breadcrumbs for a crusty exterior.

Heat peanut oil in a skillet until shimmering, then fry the patties until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.

Remove the fried cakes and drain on paper towels.

Bake any extra patties in a Pyrex pie plate at 375 degrees Fahrenheit after spraying with cooking oil.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: