Hoppin' John, Slow Cooker Style

What is Hoppin' John?  Well, it's a dish from the American South that features black-eyed peas, rice, smoked bacon, a splash or two of hot sauce and it can include greens (such as collard or turnip greens or kale).  It is a Southern tradition  to serve on New Year’s Day... and it's mandatory in my family to eat black-eyed peas, greens, rice, cornbread, and pork on January 1st!  From the very first New Year's Day that I can remember these were all on our New Year's Day menu for a year of good luck and good fortune. 

From Southern Living Magazine regarding greens and peas:  "These two Southern classics all but guarantee a prosperous year. Some say the greens represent dollar bills and the peas, coins, ensuring wealth and luck.

According to folklore, this auspicious New Year’s Day tradition dates back to the Civil War, when Union troops pillaged the land, leaving behind only black-eyed peas and greens as animal fodder. Rich in nutrients, these were the humble foods that enabled Southerners to survive. Details of stories differ, but each celebrates a communion of family and friends bound by grateful hearts and renewed hope for good things yet to come."

Makes about 12 servings

1 pound dried black-eyed peas, soaked     overnight, drained, and rinsed* 1 package frozen collard greens, thawed 2 cans diced tomatoes and green chiles 1 cup chopped onion ½ cup chopped green bell pepper ½ cup chopped celery 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 (32-ounce) cartons chicken stock 3/4 - 1 cup bacon pieces  1 cup instant brown rice, uncooked 1/2 teaspoon Creole seasoning  1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (or to taste) salt to taste 2 teaspoons hot sauce*

1. In your 6 quart or larger slow cooker, combine all ingredients except rice and hot sauce.  Cover and cook on high for 6 to 8 hours or until peas are tender. 2. Add rice, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes or until rice is tender. Stir in hot sauce before serving. *If you forget to soak the peas overnight, then here's a fix: Rinse and drain them.  Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Add the peas and boil for ten minutes.  Remove from heat and cover.  Let sit for an hour.  Drain & add to  your slow cooker! Voila! *I served hot sauce along with the hoppin' john so that everyone could add as much as they wanted or none at all.