A New Year's tradition found all across the South, Hoppin' John is thought to bring luck and prosperity over the course of the new year to the person eating it. Whether it's true or not, I don't take any chances!
Ingredients
1 lb dried black-eyed peas
3 Tbsp olive oil, divided
½ yellow onion, diced
½ green bell pepper, diced
½ red bell pepper, diced
½ tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
4 cups chicken stock or broth
1 ham hock or ham bone
3 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
½ lb kale, stems removed and sliced
Instructions
Sift through beans to remove any rocks (there's always one) and pour into a large bowl. Cover with water by 2 to 3 inches. Let soak overnight. Drain
Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add onion, peppers, and salt and pepper and cook for 3-5 minutes.
Add beans, stock, and ham hock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and allow to simmer for 3-4 hours or until juices begin to thicken.
Remove the ham hock and cut away the meat. Add the meat back to the pot of beans.
When beans are finished, in a separate pan, cook bacon until nearly crispy. Add remaining oil. Add kale a handful at a time until it is all cooked down and combine it with the beans. Keep warm until ready to serve.
Serve over rice with cornbread. Enjoy!
Recipe by This Cookin' Dad at http://thiscookindad.com/2013/12/hoppin-john-new-years/