Crooks Corner Hoppin John Food

CROOK'S CORNER HOPPIN' JOHN

Steps:

• Put the bacon or salt pork in a saucepan and cook, stirring often, until all the cubes are crisp. Add the carrots, celery and onions and cook, stirring, about 1 minute.
• Add peas, garlic, about 1 1/4 cups water or to barely cover, thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper flakes. Bring to boil and let simmer, uncovered, 30 to 40 minutes, until tender but not mushy. Remove from heat.
• Put the rice in a saucepan and add 1 1/2 cups water and salt to taste. Bring to boil and let simmer 17 minutes. Stir in the butter.
• Cut unpeeled tomato into 1/4-inch cubes; there should be about 1 cup.
• Arrange the hot rice in the center of a platter. Spoon the hot pea mixture, including liquid, over the rice. Scatter the cheese over the peas. Place tomato cubes around the rice. Scatter the scallions over the tomatoes. Serve immediately.

SLOW COOKER HOPPIN' JOHN CHOWDER

Steps:

• Prepare rice according to package instructions, and set aside. Meanwhile, combine the ground sirloin, green pepper and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently, and crumbling beef until no longer pink. Drain off grease.
• Place the rice and beef mixture into a 5 quart slow cooker. Add the black-eyed peas, beef broth, diced tomatoes with green chilies and enough water to cover everything.
• Cover, and cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours.

HOPPIN JOHN

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.

SOUTHERN HOPPIN' JOHN

Steps:

• In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Drain on paper towels; discard all but 2 tablespoons drippings. Saute pepper, celery and onions in drippings until almost tender. Add rice, water and seasonings. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Add peas and bacon; simmer 10 minutes longer. Discard bay leaf.