Hoppin' John

Make it spicy with hot sauce.

How's the year 2013 been treating you so far? Good, I hope. My first food post of 2013 is Hoppin' John. Eating Hoppin' John is thought to bring good luck. I like it because the simple flavor of this dish provides a relief from the marathon of rich holiday meals. There are many versions of this dish, but I made it with what I had in the fridge and the pantry. 

Leftover ham. Bacon or salt pork would work, too.

Hoppin' John

1 15.5 oz can black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
1 can chicken broth
1 onion, chopped
1/2 cup ham, sliced
1/3 cup beer, optional
1 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp flour
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 bay leaves
1/4 tsp thyme
1/4 tsp oregano
Dashes hot sauce
Dashes worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice
Green onions for garnish

Beer adds depth of flavor

In a skillet, melt butter and warm olive oil, toss in chopped onion and cook until it turns slightly brown. Add sliced ham and cook. Toss in flour and coat the ham mixture well and cook for a minute. Add black-eyed peas, chicken broth, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, hot sauce, worcestershire sauce and beer. Cook at medium-low heat for 20 minutes or so stirring occasionally. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

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