HOPPIN' JOHN

black-eyed peas

🥗Healthier: lentils

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Lentils are nutritious and lower in calories, while canned beans are budget-friendly.

cooked ham or bacon

🥗Healthier: turkey bacon

💰Cheaper: smoked sausage

Turkey bacon is lower in fat, while smoked sausage can be more affordable.

Start by rendering a few slices of salt pork in a pot to release some fat.

Flip the salt pork after a few minutes to continue rendering.

Add rinsed pork neck bones to the pot.

Pour in 10 cups of water to cover the meat and bones.

Season with black pepper, adjusting later as needed.

Add field peas that have been rinsed to remove any bad ones.

Cover the pot and cook on medium-high for about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Check the tenderness of the meat and add more water if necessary, estimating it down to about 6 cups.

Add 2 cups of water to bring it back to 10 cups and cook for an additional 30 minutes.

Remove some of the peas from the pot for later use, if desired.

Take the meat off the bones and return the meat to the pot.

Add 4 cups of rice to the pot without washing it, but washing is optional.

Add 5 cups of water for the rice, then adjust by adding another 1.5 cups for a total of 6.5 cups of water.

Season the mixture with black pepper and a small amount of Better than Bouillon chicken base.

Optional: Add a little Kitchen Bouquet for color.

Cover and bake in the oven for about 1 hour and 20 to 30 minutes.

Remove from the oven and mix the rice, noting it may seem sticky at first but will dry as it cools.

Plate the dish and prepare for a taste test.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary