Hoppin' John

Ingredients and Weight:

• Black-eyed peas, dry, 1 pound
• Ham hock, smoked, 1 pound
• Onion, chopped, 1 large
• Green bell pepper, chopped, 1 large
• Celery, chopped, 2 stalks
• Garlic, minced, 2 cloves
• Chicken broth, low-sodium, 6 cups
• Thyme, fresh or dried, 1 tablespoon
• Bay leaves, 2
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Cooked rice, for serving, 8 cups

Preparation Time:

• 1 hour

Cooking Time:

• 2 hours

Difficulty Level:

• 2 (Intermediate)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Rinse the black-eyed peas and pick through them to remove any stones or debris.
2. Place the peas, ham hock, onion, bell pepper, celery, garlic, chicken broth, thyme, and bay leaves in a large pot or Dutch oven. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 2 hours or until the peas are tender.
4. Remove the ham hock from the pot and let cool slightly. Shred the meat and add it back to the pot.
5. Serve hot over cooked rice.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 10g

Dish Characteristics:

• Savory and comforting
• Rich in flavor from the ham hock
• Loaded with protein and fiber
• Perfect for a casual gathering or holiday meal

User Comments:

• "This Hoppin' John is a must-try! It's so flavorful and satisfying."
• "The perfect comfort food on a cold winter night."
• "I love the combination of the black-eyed peas and smoked ham."
• "Easy to make and a crowd-pleaser."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• If desired, you can add other vegetables to the dish, such as carrots or corn.
• To save time, you can use canned black-eyed peas instead of drying.
• If you can't find smoked ham hock, you can substitute regular ham or bacon.