Hoppin’ John is a traditional Southern New Year’s Day dish believed to bring financial fortune for the year. The black eyed peas are symbolic of coins, and collard greens represent greenback money. They’re also darn delicious! We’ll be serving up this tasty dish from Lexi on January 1. Drop by for a meal, or make it at home!

Lexi’s Kitchen’s Hoppin’ John

INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups cooked black-eyed peas (2-15oz cans)
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 1 green bell peppers, diced
• 2 – 15 oz cans diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 2-3 tbsp tamari, to taste
• 2 ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
• 3 tsp dijon mustard
• 1 ½ tsp ground cumin
• 1 ½ tsp black pepper

1. Warm oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until fragrant, ~3 minutes. Add peppers, salt, oregano, cumin, black pepper and chili powder. Saute until peppers have softened.
2. Add cider vinegar, mustard and tomato paste, saute 1-2 min more. Add black eyed peas and tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer 10-20 minutes.
3. Stir in tamari, taste and adjust seasonings. Serve over rice with cooked collard greens, kale, or your favorite green.

Enjoy with a year of good fortune!