Hoppin' John is a traditional southern dish and is thought to bring good luck year round if eaten on the New Year's Day. The black-eyed peas represent pennies or coins and the jalapeno is supposed to add wealth (green = money), add cornbread and you're tripling your luck (gold = riches). On the day after New Years, Hoppin' John is referred to as Skippin' Jenny and is also good luck - the leftovers show ones frugality, therefor bringing extra prosperity for the upcoming year. We Southerners take our traditions very seriously and this is no exception.
Now this is the version I make every year but there are several out there and frankly I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. Ive not only healthified it but also sped up the prep time by using frozen peas instead of the old-fashioned soaking method.
Calories: 140 | Carbs: 18 | Protein: 7 | Fat: 5
Nutritional value based on 8 - 1/2 cup servings
You'll Need -
1 16oz package frozen black-eyed peas
1 tbsp olive oil
3 cups of water
4oz smoked turkey sausage, sliced 1/2 inch thick
4 slices thick cut bacon, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 cup yellow onion, chopped
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 fresh jalapeno pepper, thinly sliced (seeded if you want less heat)
Slap Ya Mama Cajun Seasoning, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
Louisiana hot sauce, for serving
Brown rice, for serving (calculate extra calories!)
Then You'll -
Heat half of the oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, turning once, until browned. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining oil, onion, garlic, jalapeno and bacon to pan - cook until onions are tender and bacon is no longer raw - about 6 to 8 minutes.
Return sausage to the pan, add the peas along with the 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add seasoning. Reduce heat and simmer until peas are tender.
Serve over brown rice and pour on the hot sauce!
Happy Cooking!
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