Hoppin' John Recipe • New Year's Good Luck Dish! 🍀💰 - Episode 1005

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.

Sort through dried black-eyed peas and place them in a bowl with cold water, ensuring there's about 3 inches of water above the peas.

Let the peas soak for 8 hours or preferably overnight, then drain and rinse them well.

In a cold Dutch oven, place cut bacon and turn the heat on medium.

Cook the bacon for 10 to 12 minutes until crispy, then scoop it out with a slotted spoon and set aside.

To the bacon fat, add chopped onions and celery, and season with ground sea salt. Sauté for 3 minutes.

Add chopped red and green bell peppers, then add butter and sauté for another 3 minutes.

Add pressed garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

Add the drained black-eyed peas and pour in chicken broth, stirring to combine and bringing the mixture to a boil.

Once boiling, add a bay leaf, Creole seasoning, and mixed peppercorns, then cover and reduce to medium-low heat, simmering for 45 minutes.

After 45 minutes, add a can of diced tomatoes with its juice, stir, bring back to medium heat, and simmer uncovered for another 45 minutes, stirring often.

After the second cooking time, add a couple of cups of cooked ham and return the cooked bacon to the pot, mixing everything together.

When it starts to simmer again, set a timer for 15 minutes.

After 15 minutes, add baby spinach leaves, stir, and let cook for another 5 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary