Rosemary asked:
Is it Hoppin John that is lucky to eat on New Year's, or
blackeyed peas? Thanks... -Rosemary
Rosemary, In answer to your question it is the black-eyed peas that is said
to bring good luck if eaten on New Years Day before noon. But Hopping John
is a dish with rice
and black-eyed peas, so most people make this recipe because it includes
the
black-eyed peas. I always have Hopping John on New Year's Day before noon
for good luck.
Here is the recipe I use, it is taken from the Bean, Pea and Lentil
Cookbook.
By Maria Luisa Scott and Jack Denton Scott from Consumer Reports
Books.
Hopping John (Vegetarian)
1 1/2 cups dried black-eyed peas
1 onion, peeled and chopped
1/8 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (optional)
6 cups water
1 1/2 cups uncooked rice
1 tsp. salt
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
1 large Vidalia onion or red onion, thinly sliced
1. Pick over peas, and rinse thoroughly.
2. In a saucepan, combine chopped onion, red pepper flakes and water.
Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 45
minutes.
3. With the water still simmering, gradually add the peas to the pan.
Simmer, covered for 45 minutes, or until the peas are almost tender.
Stir
occasionally.
4. Add the rice and salt and simmer 30 minutes, covered, or until the peas
are tender and the rice is tender and fluffy. During the cooking,
add more hot water if needed just to keep mixture moist.
If there is too much liquid, remove cover and cook off the excess.
Watch
carefully, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Taste for seasoning, adding more salt, if needed.
6. Serve garnished with parsley, and sweet onion.
Serves 6. Yummy. I usually have mine with hot pepper sauce or hot vinegar.
Seasons Greetings to all, and a new year filled with good health, happiness
and good luck.
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