Hoppin' John (Desmond's version)

This is an amalgamation of various recipes I found on the Internet for southern black eyed peas. Can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable broth.

Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound dried black eyed peas (about 2 cups)
  • 1 green pepper, diced
  • 2 ribs celery, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1/3 pound bacon. chopped (or 1/2 tsp liquid smoke)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika

Instructions

Soak the peas overnight. Discard the water and rinse the peas. Fry the bacon in a pot until it starts to brown. Add peppers, onion, celery, garlic. Fry for about 3-4 minutes. Add broth, peas and spice. Cook on medium, covered, for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until peas are tender.