HOPPIN JOHN

Hoppin John image

Provided by Food Network

Time 2h50m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups dried black-eyed peas, rinsed
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 small piece smoked turkey or ham hock
1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium yellow onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
1 small red bell pepper, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
2 scallions, sliced on a bias, for garnish

Steps:

Heat a medium heavy-bottomed saucepot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the black-eyed peas and cover with cold water by 1 inch (should be about 3 cups water). Add a pinch of salt and the smoked turkey and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, over medium heat until tender, about 2 hours.
Melt the butter in a large saucepot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and peppers. Season with salt and pepper and cook just until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, 1 minute more. Add the rice and stir until toasted, about 5 minutes.
Add 3 cups of water and 1 cup of the cooking liquid from the peas, check for seasoning and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, over medium-low heat until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender and cooked through, about 20 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and gently stir in 2 cups of the cooked peas. Cover and cook 10 minutes more. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with the scallions before serving.