HOPPIN JOHN NEW YEARS DAY FOR LUCK

HOPPIN JOHN NEW YEARS DAY FOR LUCK

4 strips thick-cut bacon, diced (OR SLICED HOG JOWL)
1 small onion
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (OPTIONAL)
1 cup dried black-eyed peas, rinsed and picked over
1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
1 teaspoon salt

*VEGETARIANS-LEAVE OUT MEAT AND ADD A LITTLE SMOKE FLAVOR.
Place bacon in a saucepan and cook over medium heat until just beginning to crisp. Add onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Scrape bacon, bacon fat and onion into slow cooker. Add crushed red pepper, peas and 4 cups water and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low until peas are nearly tender, 3 to 4 hours.
Stir in tomatoes, rice and salt. Cover and continue to cook just until rice is tender and has absorbed all liquid, 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Fluff with a fork and serve.
**
Go whole grain. Swap in brown rice instead of white to add fiber and other nutrients to this already healthful dish.
Turn up the heat. Like a kick? Use more crushed red pepper and sprinkle the dish with hot sauce just before serving (or pass the sauce at the table).